Summary of the Thesis
Shahrur distinguishes between the language of avoidance and the language of prohibition, and does not treat every prohibition as a legislative ban. He uses this distinction to understand some Qur’anic expressions as indicating approach or distance, rather than always indicating absolute forbiddance.
Related Verses
Foundational Atoms
- Do not come near indicates direct proximity
- Al-qat’ is a term of broad meaning
- The verse on theft does not impose amputation
Position of the Reference within the Book
This distinction appears in the first section of the book, within the discussions of terms, punishments, and ways of understanding forms of prohibition.
Limits of the Reading
The atoms here point to the breadth of meaning and to the fact that some forms are not to be understood as implying absolute prohibition on their face. As for the applied details, they remain confined to the scope of this understanding alone.