Ketab-E-Qayyem

Ketab-E-Qayyem

Examining the interpretative attitude of Mohammad Shahrour to the relationship between religion and power

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 , PhD student, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
10.30512/kq.2025.21027.3808
Abstract
Various theories have been presented concerning the relationship between religion and power. Mohammad Shahrour, a Syrian intellectual, in his book "Al-Din wa Al-Sulta: Qira'a Mu'aasira lil-Hakemiya (Religion and Power: A Contemporary Reading of Governance), citing Quranic verses, believes in the sufficiency of innate disposition (fitrah) and rational cognition for the construction of a civilized human society. Considering the concepts associated with the lexical items "Obedience," "Reluctance," "Prohibition," and the attribute of humanity as "Khalifa Allahi" (God's representative), he rejects the linkage between religion and power. The central question of this study, conducted utilizing a library-based methodology and an analytical approach, is the examination of Shahrour’s Quranic arguments with the aim of evaluating the method of inferences derived from the verses within his work. Research findings indicate that, while Shahrour’s efforts in lexical analysis and providing the groundwork for inference cannot be denied, his conclusions are minimal and flawed due to the omission of the religion element and a lack of comprehensiveness; for innate disposition requires the guiding role of religion, and contrary to Shahrour’s perspective, dominion is not the sole cornerstone of governance, and rightful power possesses the component of authority. The position of "Khalifat Allah" also entails requirements, including adherence to the centrality of the caliphate, namely "Allah".
Keywords

Subjects


The Holy Quran
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  • Receive Date 24 December 2023
  • Revise Date 05 December 2023
  • Accept Date 16 March 2024