The Debate Over Abrogation in the Qur’an: Theological Follies of Islamists - Part 1

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 6 March 2025 Islamists often use the concept of abrogation (Naskh) in the Quran to justify their ideological and political agendas, particularly when advocating for a more hardline interpretation of Islam. Abrogation refers to the idea that certain later revelations in the Quran supersede earlier ones. This concept is significant because some of the earlier verses emphasize peace, tolerance, and coexistence, while later verses, revealed in a different context, emphasize confrontation and the use of force in certain situations. Islamists argue that the later, more militant verses override the peaceful ones, using this reasoning to support their calls for jihad, strict implementation of Sharia law, or resistance against perceived enemies of Islam. By selectively citing these verses, they attempt to legitimize their actions and rally support, even though Islamic scholars and historians debate the extent and nature of abrogation. Critics argue that this approach distorts the Quran’s message, ignoring the broader historical and theological context in which these verses were revealed. Main Points: 1. The doctrine of abrogation (Naskh) in the Qur’an has been a subject of extensive theological debate among Muslim scholars throughout history. 2. The concept of Naskh highlights the dynamic nature of Islamic law and its ability to adapt to the needs of the early Muslim community. 3. However, its application in contemporary Islamic thought remains an area of ongoing debate. ----- The discussion on abrogation in the Qur’an remains highly relevant today, particularly in the context of Islamic law, interfaith dialogue, and contemporary interpretations of religious texts. In an era where Muslim societies are grappling with legal and social reforms, understanding whether certain Qur’anic rulings were meant to be permanent or subject to change has significant implications. Additionally, debates on abrogation influence discussions on human rights, gender roles, and the compatibility of Islamic teachings with modern legal systems. The rise of extremist groups misinterpreting Qur’anic texts further underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of naskh, as scholars and reformists strive to clarify the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence. By revisiting this doctrine, contemporary Muslim thinkers seek to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity while ensuring that religious interpretations remain relevant and just in today’s world. The idea that some verses of the Qur’an replace or override earlier ones has been a topic of debate among Muslim scholars for centuries. This concept, known as naskh (abrogation), plays a role in understanding how Islamic laws and teachings evolved over time. While many scholars support the idea that certain rulings were changed to adapt to new circumstances, others challenge its very existence. This article explores the arguments for and against abrogation, the evidence from the Qur’an, and key examples of how it is believed to have occurred. What is Abrogation in the Qur’an? The concept of Naskh is primarily derived from specific Qur’anic verses. One of the most often cited is: "مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ" “We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth one better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106) This verse is interpreted by many scholars as evidence that Allah, in His wisdom, replaced some laws with better or more suitable ones. Another verse that suggests this idea states: "وَإِذَا بَدَّلْنَا آيَةً مَكَانَ آيَةٍ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يُنَزِّلُ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا أَنتَ مُفْتَرٍ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ" “And when We substitute one verse in place of another—and Allah knows best what He reveals—they say, ‘You are but an inventor [of lies].’ Rather, most of them do not know.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:101) These verses form the basis of the doctrine of abrogation, leading scholars to examine which laws may have been replaced and why. Classical vs. Modern Views on Abrogation In early Islamic scholarship, abrogation was widely accepted as a fundamental principle. Influential scholars such as Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Al-Suyuti studied the Qur’an to identify cases where laws were updated or replaced. According to Al-Suyuti, more than 100 verses in the Qur’an were abrogated, although later scholars debated this number. Ibn Kathir, for example, argued that only clear cases of abrogation should be accepted. On the other hand, some classical scholars, including Ibrahim Al-Nakha’i and Abu Muslim Al-Isfahani, rejected the idea that the Qur’an contained abrogation. They believed that when the Qur’an mentions the replacement of previous revelations, it refers to earlier scriptures like the Torah and the Gospel rather than changes within the Qur’an itself. In modern times, scholars such as Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, and Amin Ahsan Islahi have argued that many cases traditionally seen as abrogation are actually misunderstandings. They suggest that instead of complete cancellation, these cases should be seen as clarifications or contextual limitations of earlier rulings. Key Examples of Abrogation in the Qur’an While scholars disagree on the number of verses affected by abrogation, there are a few examples that are commonly cited as clear cases: 1. Change in the Qiblah (Direction of Prayer) When the first Muslim community was established, they prayed facing Jerusalem: وَمَا جَعَلْنَا ٱلۡقِبۡلَةَ ٱلَّتِي كُنتَ عَلَيۡهَآ إِلَّا لِنَعۡلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيۡهِ" “We only appointed the former Qiblah to distinguish those who follow the Messenger from those who would turn back on their heels.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143) Later, this direction was changed to Makkah: وَمَا جَعَلْنَا ٱلۡقِبۡلَةَ ٱلَّتِي كُنتَ عَلَيۡهَآ إِلَّا لِنَعۡلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيۡهِ" “So turn your face toward Al-Masjid Al-Haram.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144) This shift is considered a clear example of abrogation, demonstrating how religious practices evolved to suit the needs of the growing Muslim community. 2. Gradual Prohibition of Alcohol The Qur’an initially discouraged alcohol consumption: "يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْخَمْرِ وَٱلْمَيْسِرِ ۖ قُلْ فِيهِمَآ إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ “They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [some] benefit for people.’” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219) Later, drinking was restricted before prayer: "لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَىٰ" “Do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:43) Finally, alcohol was completely prohibited: "إِنَّمَا ٱلۡخَمۡرُ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرُ وَٱلۡأَنصَابُ وَٱلۡأَزۡلَٰمُ رِجۡسٞ مِّنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ فَٱجۡتَنِبُوهُ “Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid them.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90) This step-by-step approach allowed the community to adjust to new laws gradually. The Ongoing Debate The doctrine of abrogation remains a subject of discussion among scholars today. Many classical scholars argue that it was necessary for the early development of Islamic law, while modern thinkers question its extent and whether it was ever intended as a major principle. Some argue that what appears to be abrogation is often just recontextualisation of verses rather than outright cancellation. Regardless of one’s stance, the concept of Naskh highlights the dynamic nature of Islamic teachings and how they were revealed over time. The debate over abrogation is likely to continue as scholars and researchers explore the Qur’an with fresh perspectives in the modern era. The Relevance of Abrogation in Contemporary Times The discussion on abrogation remains highly relevant today, particularly in the context of Islamic law, interfaith dialogue, and contemporary interpretations of religious texts. In an era where Muslim societies are grappling with legal and social reforms, understanding whether certain Qur’anic rulings were meant to be permanent or subject to change has significant implications. Additionally, debates on abrogation influence discussions on human rights, gender roles, and the compatibility of Islamic teachings with modern legal systems. Furthermore, the issue of abrogation plays a critical role in addressing Islamic extremism. Some extremist groups selectively interpret verses, ignoring the historical context and gradual evolution of Islamic law. By revisiting the doctrine of abrogation, scholars and reformists can counter these misinterpretations and promote a more contextual and nuanced understanding of Islamic teachings. This approach not only helps combat radical ideologies but also supports efforts to present a balanced and historically grounded interpretation of the Qur’an that aligns with principles of justice and ethical governance in the modern world. ---- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Grace Mubashir is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/abrogation-quran-theological-follies-islamists-part-1/d/134798 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism