Abrogation

Salam,

The principle of abrogation came about when the message of Islam was presented to the Arabs as something new, and since it is different from their normal way of life, it was introduced in stages. It is believed that earlier prescription appeared to be more compromising as to appease to the situation of that society then compared to later prescription so as to allow the people to adjust themselves as time passed

The principle of Naskh (abrogation) is thus introduced but then it is referred in the Quran itself and not to a later historical development as there are two verses mentioned about abrogation.

None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things? (Surah 2:106)

When We substitute one revelation for another; and God knows best what He reveals; they say: “You are a forger.” But most of them understand not.
(Surah 16:101)

The interest here is to ponder whether the views of some scholars based on the above verses, that the Quran abrogates the Quran is justifiable.

The common example cited when the Quran abrogate the Quran is concerning the drinking of wine. It was very widespread in pre-Islamic time and although it was not without its social evil it was a status symbol.

According to the example on intoxicant there are three verses which were revealed in stages and which finally led to the prohibition of intoxicated substance. The verses are quoted below:

O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, nor in the state of impurity, except when passing through until you have washed yourselves……….(Surah 4:43)

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)

O you who believe! Most certainly intoxicants and gambling and idol worship and fortune telling are abomination of Satan’s handiwork, so shun it, that you may prosper. Satan desires only to cause you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from remembrance of God and from prayer (salat), will you then desist? (Surah 5:91-92)
If the views on those who believe the Quran abrogate Quran is taken then it means that the earlier two verses Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 become redundant.

However the verse on abrogation specifically mentioned that whenever God abrogate, He said “None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar.”

So those with views Quran abrogate the Quran it become questionable because first the two verses were not forgotten it is still there in the Quran. Secondly there is nothing better or similar which God had substituted in the Surah 5:91-92 against Surah 4:43 and Surah 2:219 which again dispel those views Quran abrogate Quran. In fact because of the belief of abrogation within Quran two important benefits were being overruled

O you who believe! Do not approach prayers (salat) while you are intoxicated until you understand all that you say, ……….(Surah 4:43)

With the abrogation of the above verse Muslims are only aware that they cannot pray while intoxicated by alcohol but they never realized that without understanding what they say to God is also intoxicated. So many Muslims missed the basic purpose of their prayers to say to God with the mind of understanding what they said. They became parrots.

The consequence of abrogating the verse below not only contradict the Surah 2:106 but also putting opposition to what God had said that there is some benefit in intoxicant and gambling

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say: “In both of them there is grievous sin and some profit for people; but the sin is greater than the profit.”……(Surah 2:219)

There are also some benefit in intoxicant which is being used in medicine, food preservation, and other benefits. And there are also some benefit in gambling like the lottery draw is for social welfare which is raised for the benefit of society or the drawing of lots in a share issue to be fair because of limitation.

So the views of scholars on Quran abrogate Quran contradict the message of the Quran itself and make unnecessary small details to be important blown out of proportion in the Islamic world today.


The Surah 2:106 does not abrogate the Quran but it shows the abrogation of the message before the Quran. Some examples are during fasting in former times it was not permitted to approach the wives but the Quran abrogate the ruling with the following verse
Permitted to you on the night of the fast, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; ….(Surah 2:187)

The Quran abrogate the food which the Jews used to take and make it a prohibition and He prohibit some animals for them

For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain food and wholesome which has been lawful for them; in that they hinder many from God’s Way. (Surah 4:160)

For those who follow the Jewish law, We forbade every animals with undivided hoof, and We forbade them that fat of ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: this in recompense for their willful disobedient: For surely We are truthful. (Surah 6:146)

The abrogation of laws which was in former scriptures were not new and there is the example of Jesus in the Quran with his scripture the Gospel he used to abrogate what was in the scripture before him

“I have come to you to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was before forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. Fear God and obey me. (Surah 3:50)
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Thus from the examples there is no doubt that all the verses of the Quran is good for us to submit to and none should be made redundant as God said in the Quran

The Word of your Lord does find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His Words: for He is the One Who Hear and know All. (Surah 6:115)

Asar