I used the term "principle" to convey my understanding. It does not mean that God explicitly names principles in the Quran. I use this term to describe consistent themes or guidelines I see in the Quran. Just like in my workplace, where we refer to principles, procedures, and policies to describe consistent approaches, I used "principle" here to express a similar idea in human language.
So, when I talked about the Quranic principle regarding testimony, I meant the consistent emphasis in the Quran on the need for direct evidence or witnessing, which I see reflected in various verses.
In the Quran, testimony is closely linked to having direct knowledge or evidence. For example, in (2:282), it is stated:
"O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him. So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate. And let him fear Allah, his Lord, and not leave anything out of it. But if the one who has the obligation is of limited understanding or weak or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses - so that if one of the women errs, then the other can remind her."
This verse highlights the importance of having reliable witnesses who can directly observe and testify accurately about financial transactions.
Another relevant verse is (4:135):
"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted."
This verse stresses the necessity of justice and truthfulness in testimony, implying that testimony should be based on what one has directly witnessed or has solid evidence for.
The principle here is that testimony in the Quran is meant to be truthful and based on direct witnessing or strong evidence. This is why I second (correct me if I got it wrong about your statement) your understanding of the use of the word "testified" in "The True Al Furqan" as inconsistent when referring to a belief about the nature of Jesus, as it suggests a declaration without direct evidence.
I hope this clarifies my use of the term "Quranic principle."
Added:
However, in matters of faith, "shahada" is an expression of one's belief and conviction in the truths revealed by God. For instance:
"Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise." (Quran 3:18)
In this verse, the term "witness" (shahada) is used to declare the fundamental belief in the oneness of God, which is based on faith and revealed knowledge rather than direct observation.
In essence, while "shahada" in the Quran about faith matters signifies belief in revealed truths, the use of "testified" in "The True Al Furqan" regarding a theological claim about Jesus presents a contradiction with what Quran says about Jesus.
