The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates held a workshop for international students, attended by 50 students from various nationalities, entitled “Abrogation and abrogated (al-Nāsikh wa al-Mansūkh).” The workshop was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Rahman, a Professor at al-Azhar University, as part of the Organization’s commitment to promoting a sound understanding of the Shariah sciences and confronting contemporary intellectual misconceptions.
The former Head of the Department of Tafsir and Quranic Sciences at the Faculty of Usul al-Din, al-Azhar University, stressed that proper understanding of the Quranic text requires knowledge of the historical context of the verses, explaining that this discipline represents one of the strongest responses to atheists and those who cast doubt on the Islamic faith.
Moreover, he explained that the wisdom behind the legislation of abrogation lies in keeping pace with changing times and circumstances, without compromising the immutable principles of the religion, thereby preventing intellectual rigidity and facilitating ease for people.
Likewise, he pointed out that abrogation does not apply to matters of creed and monotheism, the fundamental principles of worship, moral values and virtues, or definitive reports that do not admit change or substitution.
Notably, he added that the science of abrogation reveals the course of Islamic legislation, guides to the soundness of legal rulings, and highlights the objectives of justice and facilitation, thereby countering attempts to undermine the credibility of the Holy Quran and to cast doubt on the authenticity of Shariah.
At the conclusion of the workshop, he stressed that one of the manifestations of the greatness of the Holy Quran lies in its addressing of the human mind through refined linguistic styles, which requires knowledge and conscious understanding free from rigidity. He further emphasized that Islamic moderation is founded on dialogue, acceptance of others, and the rejection of extremism and excess.
