Naskh (abrogation) in the Qur’an

Q: Is there any naskh (abrogation) in the Qur’an?

The term naskh literally means to abolish, destroy, abrogate, nullify or to transcribe or copy out. When pertaining to the Qur’an it refers to the abrogation of a previous religious injunction by a latter injunction. Abrogation, or naskh, occurred not only in Islam, but also in the former divine religions.

Proofs of the existence of abrogation

1. The following verses are examples of the abrogation of certain injunctions in the laws of former Prophets: “So, because of the wrong committed by the Jews We made unlawful for them many pure, wholesome things which had (hitherto) been lawful for them, and because of their barring many from God’s way” (Nisa 4:160). As can clearly be understood from this verse, certain deeds that had previously been allowed to the Jewish people had now been rendered unlawful to them due to their mischievous actions. Similarly, certain deeds, primarily hunting, was prohibited to the Jews on the day of Sabbath; previously there had been no difference in the days of the week in Judaism: “We raised the Mount to tower above them to secure their promise (to hold firmly to the Book), and (on another occasion when We guided them to a town) We commanded them, “Go into it through its gate prostrating (humbly in utmost submission to God)”; and again We once commanded them, “Do not exceed the bounds with respect to the Sabbath,” and We took from them a most solemn pledge” (Nisa 4:154).

1. Not only was there abrogation in the laws of past Prophets; there are certain Qur’anic verses which the injunctions contained were later abrogated. Therefore, there is abrogation in Islam. Issues like the changing of the qibla (the direction of prayer) and later the abolishment of compulsory almsgiving for those who would like to consult the Prophet are a few examples of such situations.

1. It is generally agreed that the following verse defines the meanings of naskh:

(Though they would exploit the abrogation of some rules of secondary degree to challenge your authority, the truth is that) We do not abrogate any verse or omit it (leaving it to be forgotten) but We bring one better than it or the like of it (more suited to the time and conditions in the course of perfecting religion and completing Our favor upon you). Do you not know (and surely you do know) that God has full power over everything? (Baqara 2:106) Accordingly, some verses were abrogated or annulled by God, either with the injunctions they contained and the wording preserved or with both their wording and the commandments. The following verses are also evidence for naskh, or abrogation:

When We put a Revelation in place of another Revelation (in the course of perfecting the Religion and completing Our favor upon you), – and God knows best what He sends down – they say: “You are but a forger!” No, rather, most of them do not know. (Nahl 16:101)

God effaces what He wills (of things and events He has created, and laws He has established), and He confirms and establishes (what He wills): with Him is the Mother of the Book. (Rad 13:39)

1. There are also certain rulings in the Sunna which were later abrogated. For instance, the Prophet prohibited visiting graveyards in the early period of Islam. But, he later abrogated the prohibition of visiting graveyards and even encouraged it, since the cause of the prohibition ceased with the widespread practice of Islam within the Muslim community and visiting graveyards now reminded Muslims of life in the Hereafter.

In every era, if there are misguided non-Islamic customs and superstitious behavior like using graveyards for places of worship, lighting candles, or tying pieces of cloth to make wishes, then people should be discouraged from visiting tombs and graves. Thus, there may be a temporary prohibition for such people until they give up such acts. As far as naskh is concerned, it is important to take all the conditions of the human situation into consideration, for example, or the characteristics of people, the time, state and condition of their Islamic practices in the society. Hence, this process of naskh contributes a great deal to the dynamism of Islam, accompanied by its applicability for all times and under all conditions and its ability to provide answers for all humanitarian and social issues.

 

Akgul, Muhittin (2009). The Quran in 99 Questions (Abdullah Erdemli Trans.). New Jersey: Tughra Books. (Originally published in Turkish as Kur’an İklimine Seyahat)