Verse 106 of Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the pivotal Quranic verses elucidating the concept of abrogation (naskh) and oblivion (nisyan), offering a theological and philosophical framework for understanding the evolution of divine injunctions. This verse, by emphasising the replacement of verses with better or equivalent ones, demonstrates the dynamism of Islam in response to changing circumstances. In this study, through a profound examination of the notions of abrogation, oblivion, and divine authority, we analyse this verse to extract lessons pertinent to theology, philosophy, and Islamic psychology. The structure of this treatise is methodically partitioned and grounded in the core content of the referenced lecture, tailored for expert audiences and academic settings.
مَا نَنْسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنْسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۗ وَمَا لَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
Any verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is Omnipotent over all things? Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah alone, and that you have no guardian or helper besides Allah?
This verse, centred on abrogation (naskh) and oblivion (nisyan), explicates the divine wisdom underpinning the transformation of rulings. The recurrent phrase "Do you not know?" coupled with the emphasis on divine omnipotence introduces Gods wisdom and power as the foundation for these changes. This segment addresses objections raised by opponents, especially the Jews and Christians, concerning the alteration of injunctions, demonstrating that such transformations are not signs of instability but manifestations of divine authority and the dynamism of religion.
Abrogation denotes the substitution of one verse by another, and oblivion refers to a verse being forgotten in the mind. These concepts constitute the essence of this verse. They transcend mere changes in Quranic injunctions, extending to all existence. Just as nature undergoes cycles of transformation and change, so too are divine laws attuned to temporal exigencies. This dynamism is a sign of divine wisdom in managing the cosmos.
Opponents of Islam, notably Jews and Christians, viewed changes in rulings such as the Qibla direction as symptoms of disorder and lack of foresight in religion. The Quran, through this verse, refutes such claims, affirming that these transformations arise from divine power and wisdom. Such changes align the religion with the evolving circumstances of society and prevent stagnation or rigidity.
The dynamism of rulings has facilitated the emergence of ijtihad (independent juristic reasoning) within Islam. Ijtihad, as a method for deducing rulings appropriate to new conditions, is a distinguishing feature of Islam compared to rigid and static religions. It enables engagement with contemporary issues. By relying on the principles of abrogation and interaction, ijtihad empowers religion to confront temporal challenges effectively.
Abrogation and oblivion, as manifestations of divine wisdom, have rendered Islam a dynamic and interactive religion. This dynamism, through ijtihad and transformation of rulings, ensures the religions authority in addressing changing temporal requirements. The refutation of opponents doubts reveals the profundity of divine wisdom in these evolutions.
The phrases "Do you not know that Allah is Omnipotent over all things?" and "Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah?" underscore Gods authority in managing existence. Abrogation, as a manifestation of this authority, indicates Gods capability in transforming and improving rulings. This authority is manifested in the substitution of verses with better or equivalent ones.
Islam is an interactive religion capable of coexistence with diverse peoples and nations. Verses such as "Come to a word that is equitable between us and you" (Al Imran: 64) and "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion" (Al-Kafirun: 6) emphasise this interaction. This feature distinguishes Islam from rigid and despotic religions, showcasing its authority in breadth and flexibility.
Despotic regimes, due to a lack of flexibility and interaction, lack genuine authority. In contrast, the Islamic system, relying on ijtihad and leadership, possesses the capability to confront complex issues. This interaction strengthens the systems authority in facing global challenges.
Divine authority underpins abrogation and the transformation of rulings, guiding religion towards good and perfection. Islams interaction with peoples and nations and its flexibility in changing conditions exemplify the religions dynamism and authority compared to despotic systems.
Religious science, in deriving rulings compatible with contemporary needs and global issues, faces challenges. Many fatwas remain confined to traditional and non-vital issues, failing to address the demands of modern society. This weakness stems from methods of jurisprudence and neglect of religious dynamism.
Despotic culture, originating from certain non-Islamic political regimes, has adversely affected the dynamism of religious science, pushing it towards dryness and lack of interaction. This problem is not inherent in religion itself but results from improper upbringing and historical influences.
Weakness in jurisprudence and the influence of despotic culture constitute obstacles to the dynamism of religious science. Overcoming these requires revisiting jurisprudential methods and enhancing engagement with contemporary issues.
Abrogation and oblivion extend beyond Quranic verses to encompass the entire cosmos. From stones and plants to humans and angels, all participate in cycles of transformation and change. This cycle signifies divine wisdom in cosmic management, wherein everything is transformed into better or equivalent forms.
Contrary to common belief that angels are immutable and wearied entities, they too are subject to divine cycles of transformation. This change exemplifies the vitality of creation and divine wisdom in managing beings.
Contrary to misconceptions, divine entities such as the Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) are not old or exhausted but young and vigorous. This youthfulness, attracting human hearts towards truth, reflects divine wisdom in creation.
Certain erroneous conceptions, such as attributing violence and slaughter to the Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), are colonial propaganda intended to instil fear. The advent of the Imam is accompanied by the attraction of hearts and human guidance, not violence and terror.
