{"id":15705,"date":"2026-04-29T05:37:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T05:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imuslim.us\/?p=15705"},"modified":"2026-04-29T05:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T05:37:35","slug":"jewish-muslim-relations-the-quranic-view-5-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imuslim.us\/?p=15705","title":{"rendered":"Jewish-Muslim Relations: The Qur\u2019anic View (5\/5)"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Abdullah Craig Walker<\/strong><\/span><\/pre>\n
\"Jewish-Muslim<\/a>
The Arabic text of the Qur\u2019an is immutable and enduring till the end of time.<\/p><\/div>\n
This is the fifth and the last part of the series (Jewish-Muslim Relations: The Qur\u2019anic View). The author explains whether the\u00a0<\/em>Qur\u2019an abrogates the Scriptures and teachings of the Religions of the Book \u2013 Judaism<\/a> and Christianity<\/a>.\u00a0Click to read\u00a0<\/em>Part 1<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>Part 2<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>Part 3<\/em><\/a>, and\u00a0Part 4<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
Abrogation of the Torah, the Gospels<\/a>, and Qur\u2019anic Verses<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
There are three incontrovertible axioms that demarcate Muslims\u2019 understanding of the Qur\u2019an<\/a>. First, the Qur\u2019an<\/a> is a complete book. Second, the Qur\u2019an is deemed to be free of inconsistencies. Third, no part of the Qur\u2019an can be changed or\u00a0abrogated\u00a0by any human being.<\/p>\n
For Muslims, the Arabic text of the Qur\u2019an is immutable and enduring till the end of time. Further, the Qur\u2019an exists purely only in its original Arabic format. Translations necessarily involve human interpretation, and are viewed as intrinsic alterations of the original meaning.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, employing a device known as\u00a0abrogation<\/em>, proponents of anti-Semitic interpretations of the Qur\u2019an assert that Islam\u2019s Holy Book supersedes the Torah and the Gospels. They also maintain that verses in the Qur\u2019an which refute or contradict their propositions have been abrogated \u2013 superseded and therefore nullified \u2013 by subsequent verses. The abrogation formula references the time sequence in which the verses in question were recorded, giving preference to verses recorded most recently.<\/p>\n
First, let us dispel the claim that the Qur\u2019an abrogates the Scriptures and teachings of the Religions of the Book \u2013 Judaism and Christianity.<\/p>\n
Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do We abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Know you <\/strong>not that Allah is Able to do all things?\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Bqarah 2:106)<\/p>\n
As noted above, the Qur\u2019an affirms that all revealed Scriptures are derived from the\u00a0Umm al-Kitab,\u00a0<\/em>or \u201cMother of Books\u201d which is concealed in heaven.<\/p>\n
Accordingly, the Torah, the Gospels, and the Qur\u2019an constitute a sequential narrative of Prophetic revelations, wherein the Qur\u2019an is the \u201cconfirmation\u201d (Yusuf 12:111 of previous scriptures, and Prophet Muhammad \u00a0being the \u201cSeal of the Prophets.\u201d (Al-Ahzab 33:40)<\/p>\n
And before this was The Book of Moses [the Torah] as a guide and a mercy: And this book,[the Qur\u2019an] confirms [it] in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust, and as glad tidings to those who do right.\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Ahqaf 46:12)<\/p>\n
Indeed in their [the Prophets] stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It [the Qur\u2019an] is not a narration invented but a confirmation of Allah\u2019s existing Books [the Tawrat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe.\u00a0<\/strong>(Yusuf 12:111)<\/p>\n
\"Jewish-Muslim<\/a>Nowhere in the Qur\u2019an is the claim made that the sacred writings of the Religions of the Book have been annulled or superseded; only that the Qur\u2019an\u00a0completes<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0confirms<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>them.<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019an\u2019s profound respect and reverence for the Hebrew and Christian sacred Scriptures is incontrovertible. The error of the abrogation hypothesis is unequivocal.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the abrogation stratagem is alleged by its proponents to be a scholarly hypothesis. In practice, however, abrogation is a convention employed by some Muslims and Islamic scholars to rationalize the meaning of Qur\u2019anic verses that relate to the same topic, but which appear to be in contradiction.<\/p>\n
The presumption that those verses in the Qur\u2019an recorded most recently take precedence over those transcribed earlier precludes comprehensive examination of the verses\u2019 actual meaning within their historical and metaphysical contexts. Rather than applying scholarly rigor to gain a fuller and more accurate understanding of the verses in question, the abrogation formula has been used routinely to support particular viewpoints, political agendas, and various cultural practices.<\/p>\n
In view of the fact that Muslims view the Qur\u2019an as sacred Scripture from Heaven, the practice of abrogation is a critical issue for believers to the extent that it effects their understanding and interpretation of Islam\u2019s primary source, as well as their daily practice of Islam.<\/p>\n
This is why the Qur\u2019an expressly rejects this practice:<\/p>\n
Verily, We have sent down this Exhortation, And most surely We will be its Guardian.\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Hijr 15:9)<\/p>\n
This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion\u2026.\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Ma\u2019idah 5:3)<\/p>\n
With specific statements in the Qur\u2019an declaring that God has \u201cperfected your religion\u201d, and that \u201cWe<\/u>\u00a0will be its [the Qur\u2019an] Guardian\u201c<\/em>, the practice of abrogation defies both faith and reason. Abrogation of any part of the Qur\u2019an is unnecessary, if not irrelevant, given the fact that the Qur\u2019an testifies to its own purity and integrity.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, practitioners of abrogation cite four verses from the Qur\u2019an to support their hypothesis:<\/p>\n
Whatever Sign We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than that or the like thereof. Dost thou not know that Allah has the power to do all that He wills?\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Baqarah 2:106)<\/p>\n
The meaning of this particular verse should be self-evident. The statement, \u201cWhatever Sign\u00a0We<\/u>\u00a0abrogate\u2026\u201d, was made by the Divine Source of the Qur\u2019an.\u00a0 No human can choose to\u00a0abrogate<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>that which is revealed in the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n
And when We bring one Sign in place of another \u2014 and Allah knows best what He reveals \u2014 they say \u2018You art bue a fabricator.\u2019 Nay, but most of them know not.\u00a0<\/strong>(An-Nahl 16:101)<\/p>\n
Allah effaces what He wills and establishes what He wills, and with Him is the source of all commandments<\/strong>. (Ar-Ra`d 13:39)<\/p>\n
And if We pleased, We could certainly take away that which We have revealed to thee and then thou wouldst find in the matter no guardian for thee against Us.\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Isra\u2019 17:86)8<\/p>\n
These verses, cited by proponents of abrogation, do not identify which Qur\u2019anic verses have been abrogated and which are to be retained, nor do they provide a procedure or authority to validate the abrogation hypothesis.<\/p>\n
In 1953, widespread disturbances between Muslim religious extremists and moderates broke out in Pakistan\u2019s Punjab province. The\u00a0Punjab Disturbances Court of Inquiry<\/em>\u00a0was set up to hold a public inquiry into the riots, chaired by Muhammad Munir, Chief Justice of Pakistan\u2019s Supreme Court. (Muhammad Munir was a highly respected statesman and jurist in Pakistan. He is also the author of a provocative book,\u00a0From Jinnah to Zia<\/em>, which argued that the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, stood for a tolerant and secular state.)<\/p>\n
Since abrogation was at the core of the disturbances, it is instructive to review comments from the Munir Commission report regarding abrogation. In the case referenced below, extremist Islamists endeavored to justify the killing of so-called non-believers by citing\u00a0abrogated<\/em>\u00a0verses in the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026The generally accepted view is that the fifth verse of Surat At-Tawbah 9:5\u00a0abrogated<\/em>\u00a0the earlier verses revealed in Mecca which permitted the killing of\u00a0kuffar\u00a0<\/em>(persons who reject God) only in self-defense. As against this, the Ahmadis believe that no verse in the Qur\u2019an was abrogated by another verse and that both sets of verses, namely the Meccan verses and the relative verses in Surat At-Tawbah, have different scopes and can stand together\u2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe\u2026result of this doctrine [abrogation], it is pointed out, cuts at the very root of the claim that laws of Islam are immutable and inflexible, because if changed circumstances made a new revelation necessary, any change in the circumstances subsequent to the completion of the revelation would make most of the (Qur\u2019anic) revelation\u00a0otiose<\/em>\u00a0or obsolete.\u201d (Munir Commission Report, pp. 223-4)<\/p>\n
The Munir Commission\u2019s report, which argued for the rights of non-Muslims in an Islamic state, highlighted the unintended consequences of ill-informed and divisive interpretations of the Qur\u2019an that can result from the application of the abrogation device.<\/p>\n
In summary, the practice of abrogation constitutes misunderstanding and\/or mistranslation of the Qur\u2019an, and amounts to little more than conjecture. In fact, as absurd as it may seem, it is not inconceivable that virtually any verse in the Qur\u2019an could be\u00a0abrogated<\/em>\u00a0given the faulty logic of the abrogation hypothesis.<\/p>\n
Concluding Comments<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Jewish-Muslim<\/a>
Islam has given the greatest respect that can be given to another religion.<\/p><\/div>\n
The Revelation of the Qur\u2019an to Muhammad (peace be upon him) took place in varying contexts over a period of twenty-three years. Literalist readings that extract text out of context to justify anti-Semitic interpretations of the Qur\u2019an contradict the inclusive global message of Islam and the model of behavior set by the Prophet of Islam.<\/p>\n
This fact must be taken into account when examining anti-Semitic rhetoric growing out of the socio-political conflicts and violence occurring in west Asia, Africa, and the Middle East dating from the colonial period to the present, and particularly with regard to the intractable Israeli-Palestinian hostilities.<\/p>\n
Of considerable importance concerning issues involving Jewish-Muslim relations is the fact that there are no authoritative bodies that represent a plurality of either Jews or Muslims.<\/p>\n
Neither of these Religions of the Book have institutional hierarchies who possess doctrinal authority over their respective communities of believers. Perceptions and relations between Muslims and Jews are influenced mostly by the shapers of public opinion, whomever and wherever they are.<\/p>\n
Epilogue<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Islam has given the greatest respect that can be given to another religion. For no religion in the world has asserted that belief in the truth of another religion is integral to its own faith and witness.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
We believe in God, and in that which has been revealed to us, which is that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Jacob and the tribes [of Israel], as well as that which the Lord revealed to Moses and to Jesus and to all the other Prophets. We make no distinction between any of them; we submit ourselves to God.<\/strong> (Aal `Imran 3:84)<\/p>\n
Islam declares that the God of the Religions of the Book \u2013 Judaism, Christianity, and Islam \u2013 is one and the same. Muslims believe that God sent the Jewish people scriptures containing revealed teachings through their prophets. As such, the Jewish people have the true religion. The Qur\u2019an declares that Muslims are spiritual companions of the People of the Book in the fulfillment of Allah\u2019s purpose. To deny this is to contradict the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, differences and conflicts are inevitable and will persist between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. However, within the frame of revealed Scripture, historical context and culture, People of the Book are uniquely positioned to see the human and spiritual dimensions of\u00a0the Other,<\/em>\u00a0if<\/em>\u00a0they choose to do so.<\/p>\n
The supreme message brought by all of the Prophets (peace be upon him) is the doctrine of\u00a0Tawhid<\/em>, also known as the Doctrine of Unity:<\/p>\n
Say O People of the Book! Let us now come together under a fair principle common to all of us \u2013that we worship none but God, that we associate nothing with Him, and that we take not one another as lords beside God.\u00a0<\/strong>(Aal `Imran 3:64)<\/p>\n
Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth; all obey His will.\u00a0<\/strong>(Al-Baqarah 2:116)<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019anic doctrine of\u00a0Tawhid<\/em>\u00a0as a world outlook implies the unity, coherence, and harmony between all parts of the universe. Everything in creation is related to the same source \u2013 Allah, and are parts of a single whole.\u00a0Tawhid<\/em>\u00a0also implies submission\u2013\u00a0Islam<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 of all beings to Divine will, and the laws governing the world.<\/p>\n
The Doctrine of Unity is at the heart of the Religions of the Book \u2013 Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is the common bond that unites all People of the Book, \u00a0and serves as the starting point for interfaith dialogue. To the extent that Believers acknowledge this Truth, no differences and no disagreements are insurmountable and beyond resolution.<\/p>\n
Today, the prayers of all people of faith are for world peace. The doctrine of\u00a0Tawhid<\/em>, revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago, may well be the answer to this universal prayer.<\/p>\n
_______________________<\/p>\n
This series of articles is published with kind permission from the author.<\/em>Soucre Link<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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