Theory of Abrogation
Discuss the theory of Abrogation in the Quran in detail.
1) Introduction
Abrogated law is called Mansukh it was the need of the time and total or partial abrogation of verses of the Quran through later text is called abrogation. Modification of verses of the Quran through later revelation is also called abrogation. All schools of thought unanimously accept the doctrine of Abrogation but may disagree on details. It is generally acknowledged that Islamic law works for the interest of human beings.
2) Meaning of Abrogation
The literal meaning of abrogation is canceling, transferring, or replacement
3) Definition of Abrogation
The legal definition of abrogation is the Lifting of a legal rule through legal evidence of a later date
4) Importance of Theory
It is a very important theory in the Islamic legal system because All schools of thought accept the doctrine of this theory. As well as all jurists accept the doctrine of this theory due to its importance
5) Theory of Abrogation According to the Holy Quran
According to the Holy Quran, the theory of abrogation is as under:
Abrogation is necessary in the Islamic legal system because Islamic law acknowledges the theory of abrogation
As the Quran says:
“AND WHEN WE PUT A REVELATION IN PLACE OF ANOTHER REVELATION”
6) Theory of Abrogation according to Sunnah
It is Narrated by Abdullah bin Massed (R.A) that after revealing the revelation from ALLAH we were ordered by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to write and the next morning when we saw that revelation was rubbed at the same time When the matter was taken to Prophet P.B.U.H, says it was repealed
7) Significance of the theory of Abrogation
The theory of abrogation plays three major functions in Islamic jurisprudence
All previous divine books have been abrogated by the Quran. A lot of verses have been repealed, and there were some verses whose text and law both were repealed There were some such verses whose Only text was repealed but the law remained the same of some verses, it was the process of abrogation that was used in the Quran for the revelation of new laws
8) Types of Abrogation
Following are the types of abrogation.
1. Explicit Abrogation
When the giver clearly states that the rule has been abrogated it is called explicit abrogation
Example:
THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H) SAID, “I USED TO FORBID YOU FROM VISITING GRAVES, BUT YOU MAY DO SO NOW.”
2. Implicit Abrogation
Following are the sub-types of implicit abrogation.
Types of implicit abrogation
A. Total abrogation
Lifting of entire law by replacing another one is called total abrogation
B. Partial abrogation
Repealing law for a certain class alone is called partial abrogation
9) Conditions for Abrogation
Following are the conditions of the theory of abrogation. The process of abrogation should have the following qualifications otherwise this theory will not be accepted as valid.
- Abrogation should be during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet P.B.U.H
- Should be latest
- Abrogated text Should be equal in meaning and authenticity
- There must be in conflict, no possibility of reconciliation between both texts
- Both texts must not revealed together
10) Rules of Abrogation
Following are the rules of abrogation
- Quran can abrogate the Quran
- Sunnah can abrogate the Sunnah
- Sunnah by Quran
- Quran by Sunnah
11) Examples of Abrogation from the Quran and Holy Sunnah
Following are the examples from the Holy Quran and Holy Sunnah.
Example from the Holy Quran
Changing the direction of QIBLAH From “Bay-Tul-Muqaddas” to “Masjid-E-
Al haram” is the best example of the abrogation
Example from Hadith
THE PROPHET (PBUH) SAID “I USED TO FORBID YOU FROM VISITING GRAVES, BUT YOU MAY DO SO NOW.”
12) Limitation on the doctrine of Abrogation
Following are the limitations of the theory of abrogation
Divine attributes can’t be repealed e.g. Tawhid, Prophethood, Books of ALLAH, etc.
Moral truth can’t be repealed as ALLAH in one, Prophet (P.B.U.H) last messenger of ALLAH
Islamic Sharia can’t be repealed, Order of Prayer, giving Zakat, etc
13) Conclusion
Abrogation was the need of time and society because civilization is changing time to time Islamic laws work for Human beings and provide a lot of easement to live better life for all humanity Law was laid down gradually and stepwise in the reign of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) Abrogation aims to facilitate society