"Abrogation" helps understanding true Islam

Submitted by Yaweeka (United States), Jul 31, 2002 at 12:20

First of all, I'm an Arab and I love your articles, but in this one you are on the wrong side.

I don't judge a religion by its followers but by its teachings.

Here is a small hint in understanding Islam: Understanding the concept of abrogation is very important in order to understand Islam. Within the Qur'an itself are statements which contradict others. For example, I have recently read an article by Karen Armstrong saying: "the only permissible war (in the Koran) is one of self-defense. Muslims may not begin hostilities (2:190)."

Others quote verses from the Qur'an like: "Let there be no compulsion in religion" 2:256

Theis verse seem to say clearly enough that the Qur'an teaches a peaceful response to those who oppose Islam. But there are other verses in the Qur'an which say quite the opposite. For example:

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war) 9:5

How to solve this conflict? and which verse should the Muslims follow? Please allow me to explain briefly:

There is a concept called "Abrogation" in the Quran , and that is: The Quran was (supposedly) revealed to Muhammad in a sequence of events, the latter verses supercede and nullifies the earlier verses.

Out of the whole Quran, there are 124 verses that teach some tolerence towards non-Muslims...but here is the striking fact....all of these verses are void, and were abrogated by the last verse (supposedly) revealed upon Muhammad, and that is verse 9:5 listed above

Suyuti (One of the most respected authorities in Islam) in his book "Istenbat al tanzeel" says: "Every thing in the Qur'an about forgiveness is abrogated by verse 9:5."

Al-Shawkani in his book "Alsaylu Jarar" (4:518-519) says: "Islam is unanimous about fighting the unbelievers and forcing them to Islam or submitting and paying Jiziah (special tax paid only by Christians or Jews) or being killed. [The verses] about forgiving them are abrogated unanimously by the obligation of fighting in any case."

Finally here is what Muhammad the prophet of Islam himself said:

Ibn Haban in his Sahih, vol. 14, p. 529, narrates: Muhammad said: "I swear by Him who has my soul in his hands, I was sent to you with nothing but slaughter."

Finally, I would like to say, May God Bless America, a country that I love.

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