nasikhah

Nasikhah refers to the Islamic legal principle of abrogation, a concept within Islamic jurisprudence concerning the modification or cancellation of previously revealed verses or rulings from the Quran or Sunnah by subsequent revelations. The term itself is derived from the Arabic root n-s-kh, meaning to copy, transfer, or replace. Scholars generally agree that abrogation is a valid concept in Islamic law, though there is considerable scholarly debate regarding its scope, application, and the specific instances where it has occurred.

The primary purpose of nasikhah is understood to be the gradual unfolding of divine law, allowing for divine wisdom to address changing circumstances and the evolving needs of the community. It is believed to demonstrate God's mercy and flexibility in guiding humanity. Scholars who study nasikhah analyze Quranic verses and hadith to identify potential abrogating and abrogated texts. This analysis typically involves comparing the content and timing of the revelations.

While the existence of abrogation is widely accepted, the extent of its application is a subject of differing interpretations among Islamic scholars. Some scholars hold a broader view, suggesting a significant number of verses or rulings have been abrogated. Others maintain a more conservative approach, identifying fewer instances and often preferring to interpret seemingly contradictory verses as complementary or applying to different contexts rather than outright abrogating one another. The study of nasikhah is crucial for understanding the development and application of Islamic law.