Thesis Summary
Shahrur distinguishes between الإنزال and التنزيل on the basis of their relation to consciousness. For him, الإنزال is the entry of a thing into human perception and its acquisition of the status of knowledge, whereas التنزيل is an objective, material transfer that takes place outside direct consciousness.
Foundational Atoms
Position of Reliance within the Book
The argument is based on the opening passages of The Book and the Qur’an, where he explains the difference between the two concepts, in the course of his discussion of the Mother of the Book and the Message.
Limits of the Reading
This reading summarizes the distinction as presented by the author, and does not extend its meaning to other uses outside this context. It also confines itself to the distinction he ties to knowledge and material movement.