Abrogation is a technical term used with reference to the validity of verses of the Qur'an.

The theory of abrogation in the Qur'an is believed to be an establish fact among many Muslims today. It arises when one verse appears contradictory to another and is abrogated (where one verse takes precedence over another earlier revealed verse). The theory that one verse should dismiss another was invented by commentators who were not able to understand the meaning the verse conveys. The theory had originally selected a large number of verses, but over the centuries abrogated verses have been reduced.

Other texts

Some scholars believe the Sunna can abrogate itself or the Qur'an, and that the Qur'an can abrogate itself and the Sunna.

Amount of Abrogation

Some commentators hold that as many as 260 verses have been abrogated. Others claim that only 5 verses have been abrogated. Some believe that there are no abrogated verses, and all the examples of abrogation cited can be explained rationally.

Alleged Texts

One of the alleged texts of abrogration is Sura 2:109 "Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, till Allah accomplish his purpose; for Allah hath power over all things."

This verse is allegedly abrogated by Sura 9:29 "Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."

External Links

Answering-Islam's Discussion of Abrogated Verses (http://answering-islam.org.uk/Quran/abrogatedverses.html) Sumbmission.org's Lies against the Quran-Abrogation (http://www.submission.org/abrogation.html)