AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEBATE ON ABROGATION IN THE QUR'AN: PERSPECTIVES OF PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS

This research examines the long-standing debate among Muslim scholars regarding the concept of abrogation in the Qur'an. Throughout history, differing opinions have been on whether abrogation is an integral part of Islamic law. While many scholars have upheld the notion of abrogation, some group, including Abu Muslim al-Isfahani (322 AH), challenged its validity. The discussion on this topic gained momentum in later generations, with opponents of abrogation growing in number. Consequently, proponents of abrogation have also produced written works to support and affirm the concept of abrogation. This paper provides a concise overview of both perspectives without bias or presumption. It begins by briefly outlining the arguments of those who support abrogation, highlighting the central claim that certain verses have been practically abrogated. Various estimates suggest that the number of abrogated verses ranges from five to as many as five hundred. Subsequently, the objections raised by those who oppose abrogation are presented. It is worth noting that abrogation proponents also counter objections raised by opposers of abrogation. Such is a statement that provides evidence that the information presented in the subsequent paragraphs is insufficient on its own to illustrate extensively and comprehensively the debate in question. Therefore, the paper’s core idea is to depict the general picture of the genesis and essence of the debate between proponents and opponents of abrogation.