Critical Analysis of Shahrur's Reading of the Concept of Islam and Its Pillars in the Holy Quran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30512/kq.2025.21640.3882

Abstract

Muhammad Shahrur, a prominent figure in the contemporary Quran-sufficiency approach, posits that, according to Quranic verses, "Islam" is an innate religion with origins dating back to the first prophets, beginning with Noah (peace be upon him) and culminating with Muhammad (peace be upon him). He identifies three primary pillars of Islam: belief in God, belief in the Day of Judgment, and righteous deeds. Accordingly, all the individuals adhering to these three pillars are considered Muslims. Also, from the Quran’s perspective, their beliefs are accepted by God, and their actions are rewarded. In the data collection and classification phase, this study employs thematic analysis using the MAXQDA software and critical content analysis for data evaluation and criticism. It elucidates Shahrur’s thought and his interpretation of the Quranic verses concerning "Islam", while critically analyzing its shortcomings and distinctions from the prevailing views of Muslim scholars. The thematic analysis of Shahrur’s statements under the theme of Islam, its pillars, and related issues reveals a redefinition of Islam, fitrah (innate disposition), and righteous deeds, along with a fallacy in extending the innate nature of Islam to its pillars. Furthermore, in the theory of the "three pillars of Islam", the practical dimension overlooks divine acceptance (husn fi’li), and righteous deeds are treated as the essence of Islam. However, according to Quranic verses and hadiths, righteous deeds are a requisite of Islam. The conflation of the terms "righteous deeds" and "ihsan" (beneficence) is another aspect not addressed in this theory.

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Ketab-E-Qayyem
Volume 15, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
September 2025
Pages 124-146

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 25 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 11 March 2025

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