Surah Masad and the Unexpected
Have you ever found a sacred text with unexpected revelations? The Quran contains several verses that might surprise many believers, particularly those who are closely following its teachings. A notable example can be found in Surah Masad, where one of these revelations foretells the end of Abu Lahab in hell. This verse is intriguing because Abu Lahab was alive when the verses were revealed, suggesting he had a chance to embrace Islam and avoid his fate. However, the Quran indicates that despite his opportunity, he chose not to, as Allah knows all.
What surprises me about this revelation is the contradiction between the strict adherence to certain rules in some Muslim countries, such as controlling women and punishing individuals based on their sexual orientation, while ignoring verses like the one in Surah Masad. According to the World Bank’s 2021 data, the combined nominal GDP of all member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is approximately 9.7 trillion USD. This figure highlights the overall economic strength of these nations, yet they seem to overlook certain Quranic teachings that might benefit the world more widely.
The Quran: A Logical and Scientific Text
The Quran is often perceived as a logical and scientifically advanced text. It’s considered the closest rival to the Bible, a holy book believed by approximately 300 million Muslims. These Muslims adhere to the belief that the Quran is uncreated and revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over a span of 23 years. Within these revelations, there are instances that might seem self-contradictory to outsiders, but the Quran explicitly claims the power of 'cancellation' or 'abrogation' within its verses.
For instance, in verse Sura 2:106, it states: 'None of our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar. Does not God have full power over all things?' Sura 16:101 also reiterates this: 'That which has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth; but most men refuse to believe.' This claim is further supported by the Quran itself, where some previous verses are abrogated by later ones. This explains the apparent contradictions within the text.
Abrogation and Cancellation in the Quran
Abrogation, or the cancellation of previous revelations by subsequent ones, is a critical concept in understanding the Quran. The term 'abrogation' is explicitly mentioned in the Quran. As the noted scholar Razi points out, the concept of abrogation is crucial: 'The Comments without exception hold that cancellation has its place in the present law.' This means that some verses in the Quran are canceled or superseded by later revelations, leading to apparent contradictions.
A key example of abrogation is in Sura 4:14, which provides the punishment for unfaithful wives. According to Razi, the text commanding imprisonment was abrogated by the one commanding stripes. This indicates that the Quran is not a static text but one that evolves over time with new revelations. To make the claim that the abrogated verses were not in the Quran is to deny historical evidence and contradict the Quran’s own assertions. Therefore, if a modern Muslim wishes to argue against the concept of abrogation, they must also deny the historical and textual evidence of the Quran.
The Bible, on the other hand, is known for its harmonious content when understood accurately. It presents no such contradictions because it is believed to be the Word of God, Jehovah. When properly understood, the Bible presents a coherent and consistent message from start to finish.
Those who claim contradictions in the Bible often fail to distinguish between literal and symbolic language, neglect the context, or lack objectivity. For instance, many historical and theological scholars have emphasized the importance of context in interpreting both the Bible and the Quran, making such claims less justifiable.