Theological Principles in the Qur'an: Sūrat al-Baqara as a Model
In this study we propose the establishment of theological rules (qawāʿid iʿtiqādiyya) similar to the jurisitic rules (qawāʿid fiqhiyya) which have for centuries been very important to Islamic jurisprudence, and which play a vital role in jurisprudence and uṣūl al-fiqh. The present article takes the second sura of the Qur'an, Sūrat al-Baqara, as a case study, identifying three fundamental principles in this sura: (i) man is honoured (al-insān mukarram), (ii) the Resurrection is a reality (al-baʿth ḥaqq) (iii) belief in all prophets is obligatory (al-īmān bi-kāfat al-anbiyāʾ wājib). These three rules are emphasised and reiterated in many parts of the sura, to a greater extent than any other principle. This study calls for other scholars to consider this proposition and develop it further.