The Abrogation Doctrine And The 'Sword Verses': Theological Misinterpretations Of Radical Ideologues
By New Age Islam Staff Writer
8 March 2025
This article holds significant contextual relevance in contemporary discussions about Islam, extremism, and the role of religious interpretation in shaping socio-political realities. By dissecting the Islamist claim that so-called "Sword Verses" abrogate peaceful teachings in the Qur’an, the article highlights the crucial debate between extremist narratives and moderate, scholarly interpretations that emphasize historical context, jurisprudential nuance, and the ethical foundations of Islamic teachings. At a time when militant groups and radical ideologues misuse Qur’anic verses to justify violence, oppression, and perpetual conflict, it becomes imperative to counter such distortions with well-reasoned theological responses rooted in classical and modern Islamic scholarship. This article not only provides a systematic refutation of the abrogation theory that extremists propagate but also reinforces the argument that Islam’s principles are deeply anchored in justice, coexistence, and moral responsibility.
The inclusion of Arabic Qur’anic verses alongside scholarly perspectives ensures that arguments remain grounded in authentic sources, making it accessible to both academic audiences and general readers. Furthermore, the discussion sheds light on how modernist and reformist scholars—drawing from early exegetes like Ibn Ashur, Muhammad Abduh, and Rashid Rida—argue for a contextual reading of jihad, war, and peace, refuting the simplistic claim that Islam commands perpetual war against non-Muslims. This article, therefore, serves as an essential contribution to counter-extremism narratives, equipping readers with the intellectual tools necessary to differentiate between political misuse of scripture and its genuine theological interpretations. In an era where Islamophobia and Islamist radicalism feed off each other, promoting moderate scholarly voices that advocate for a balanced, contextual, and humane understanding of the Qur’an is more critical than ever, and this article aims to fulfill that urgent need.
Major Points:
1. The concept of abrogation (naskh) in the Qur'an has been a subject of rigorous theological discourse among Muslim scholars, particularly regarding the so-called "Sword Verses."
2. The moderate interpretation of the Sword Verses presents a contextual and holistic approach to Qur'anic exegesis, affirming that these verses were revealed in response to specific historical circumstances rather than as universal commandments for perpetual warfare.
3. Scholars such as Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, Ibn Ashur, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Tariq Ramadan, and Mohammad Hashim Kamali emphasize that Islam’s core message is one of peace, justice, and coexistence. While extremist misinterpretations persist, the vast majority of contemporary scholars and Islamic institutions reject such views, advocating instead for dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.
4. The contemporary application of these verses must align with modern international principles of peace and justice, reinforcing Islam’s commitment to coexistence rather than conflict.
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The concept of abrogation (Naskh) in the Qur'an has been controversially discussed by Islamic scholars, particularly concerning the "Sword Verses." The verses invite people to fight against non-believers in specific circumstances. There are some who believe that the verses abrogate earlier verses that are peaceful and encourage living in harmony. The question of whether the verses are universal or specific to a particular time is the central issue.
This article discusses the position of Islamic traditionalists who confirm that the Sword Verses are superior to peace verses. It thereafter discusses opposing opinions from scholars who disagree, based on historical, religious, and linguistic analysis. It also discusses the moderate interpretation, why it is salient today, and the controversy surrounding these verses.
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The Sword Verses and the Doctrine of Abrogation
The title "Sword Verses" is used for several parts of the Qur'an, the most widely known being:
"فَإِنْ سَلَخَ ٱلْأَشْهُرُ ٱلْحُرُمُ فَٱقْتُلُوٓا ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ حَيْثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُمْ وَخُذُوهُمْ وَٱحْصُرُوهُمْ وَٱقْعُدُوا لَهُمْ كُلَّ مَرْصَدٍ ۚ فَإِن تَابُوا وَأَقَامُوا ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُا ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ فَخَلُّوا سَبِيلَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ"
("(When the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush. But if they repent and perform prayer and pay Zakah, then leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.")
— Surah At-Tawbah (9:5)
Another commonly quoted verse is:
"قاتلوا الذين لا يؤمنون بالله ولا باليوم الآخر ولا يحرمون ما حرم الله ورسوله ولا يدينون دين الحق من الذين اوتوا الكتاب حتى يعطوا الجيزة عن يدي وهم صاغرون"
("(Fight against those who do not believe in Allah or the Last Day and against those who do not hold that the thing which Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful is unlawful, and against those who do not follow the true religion from among those who have received the Scripture—[fight] until they pay the Jizyah willingly while humbling themselves.")
— Surah At-Tawbah (9:29)
Most medieval thinkers, including Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, and Al-Qurtubi, opined that these verses had superseded previous verses that were tolerant, including:
"لا إكراه في الدين قد تبين الرشد من الغي"
("There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from the wrong.")
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256)
"وقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ"
(("Say, 'The truth is from your Lord. Whoever wills, let him believe; and whoever wills, let him disbelieve.'"")) — Surah Al-Kahf (18:29)
Certain scholars and Islamist groups hold that Islam's peaceful verses were meant for the time when Islam was not strong in its early times in Mecca. They feel that once Islam was strong in Medina, Allah revealed new commands for war, superseding the previous demands for peace. Certain scholars such as Al-Suyuti felt that Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) abrogated over 140 verses that promoted tolerance.
The Moderate View: Connecting with the Past
Most contemporary scholars do not believe the Sword Verses supersede the previous teachings. They claim that the verses were revealed due to certain historical conflicts, not as absolute commands. Scholars such as Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, Ibn Ashur, and Yusuf al-Qaradawi clarify that these verses were revealed to enemies who had violated peace agreements and presented a military threat.
Ibn Ashur, for instance, recognizes that Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) was limited to the case of tribes who violated treaties with Muslims. Likewise, Javed Ahmad Ghamidi reiterates once again that the Qur'an makes a distinction between hostile enemies and peaceful Muslims. He contends, "The Qur'an never orders indiscriminate violence against disbelievers; rather, it responds to definite acts of aggression."
Significance of the Sword Verses
Moderate scholars note that Qur'anic verses must be understood in the context of history and text. The so-called Sword Verses were declared when the Muslim community was under attack by hostile tribes.
The Qur'an tends to promote peace whenever possible.
"وَإِن جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَٱجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ"
("(If they want peace, then you should also want it and have faith in Allah. He is the Hearing and Knowing.")
— Surah Al-Anfal (8:61)
Yusuf al-Qaradawi states that Islam is interested in justice and peace, and the laws of war must be understood in the proper historical context.
Why These Verses Are Relevant Today
Now, there are some scholars who are of the opinion that the Sword Verses do not have to be implemented everywhere. The world today is governed by international laws and treaties, which are different from the tribal wars of early Islamic times. Islamic law expert Mohammad Hashim Kamali contends, "The rules of engagement in Islam were context-dependent and should not be interpreted as open-ended commands for perpetual war."
Tariq Ramadan concurs. He describes how Islam is about living in harmony, not war. He states, "The idea that Islam necessitates war to be forever perpetual is not accurate. The Qur'an's referred to historical wars do not establish a general obligation of hostility."
Extremists Abusing the Sword Verses
Most moderate scholars would concur with this, but radical groups continue to misquote these verses in favour of violence. ISIS and Al-Qaeda cite Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) in favour of attacking non-Muslims, but most scholars and Islamic institutions do not concur with this interpretation.
Abdul Hakim Murad, or Timothy Winter, condemns the extremists for twisting the teachings of the Qur'an. According to him, "Radical groups ignore the broader moral and ethical imperatives of the Qur'an in favour of selectively quoting verses in pursuit of their political agendas." The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Al-Azhar University have condemned this misuse.
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Refuting The Extremists Interpretation Of Sword Verses
The Sword Verses Abrogate All Peaceful Verses
Islamist Claim: Islamists argue that Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and Surah At-Tawbah (9:29) abrogate over 140 peaceful verses, including those promoting tolerance and non-compulsion in religion. They cite medieval scholars such as Al-Suyuti, who claimed that these verses marked a shift in Islam’s stance on non-Muslims.
Moderate Response:
Moderate scholars reject this sweeping claim, pointing out that the principle of abrogation (Naskh) in the Qur'an is more nuanced. They argue that abrogation applies only in cases where there is clear textual evidence that one verse permanently replaces another. However, there is no explicit statement in the Qur'an or Hadith saying that the Sword Verses nullify earlier verses about peace.
Ibn Ashur, a 20th-century scholar, explains that abrogation cannot be assumed based on conflicting interpretations alone. Rashid Rida and Muhammad Abduh argue that peaceful verses like:
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ
"There is no compulsion in religion; truly, the right way has become distinct from error."
( Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256 )
remain valid and continue to guide Muslim interactions with non-Muslims.
Additionally, the Qur'an explicitly states:
مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
"None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We bring forth one better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106)
This verse suggests that abrogation was a process in the lifetime of the Prophet but does not justify a broad cancellation of entire themes in the Qur'an. Therefore, the claim that peaceful verses were abrogated is an oversimplification with no solid foundation.
Islam Commands Perpetual War Against Non-Muslims
Islamist Claim: Islamists insist that Surah At-Tawbah (9:5) and (9:29) establish an eternal command for Muslims to fight non-Muslims until they either convert to Islam or submit to Islamic rule. They argue that this "final stage" of Islam overrides earlier stages of peaceful coexistence.
Moderate Response:
Moderate scholars stress that these verses were revealed in a specific wartime context when hostile Arabian tribes had repeatedly violated treaties with the Muslim community. They highlight that the preceding verses of Surah At-Tawbah clarify this:
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ عَاهَدتُّم مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَنقُصُوكُمْ شَيْئًا وَلَمْ يُظَاهِرُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَحَدًا فَأَتِمُّوا إِلَيْهِمْ عَهْدَهُمْ إِلَىٰ مُدَّتِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ
"Except for those polytheists with whom you made a treaty and who have not subsequently violated its terms, nor supported anyone against you. So complete for them their treaty until their term has ended. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous."
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:4)
This verse shows that non-Muslims who honored their agreements were not to be harmed. Ibn Ashur and Muhammad Abduh emphasize that the Qur’an never instructs Muslims to engage in unprovoked aggression. Instead, the war commands in Surah At-Tawbah were responses to treachery by hostile tribes.
Furthermore, the Qur'an explicitly states:
وَإِن جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ
"And if they incline to peace, then incline to it also and rely upon Allah."
(Surah Al-Anfal 8:61)
If Islam mandated perpetual war, why would it command Muslims to accept peace when offered? Tariq Ramadan argues that Islam’s principles of warfare were contextual and do not establish a doctrine of endless conflict.
The Prophet’s Military Campaigns Prove That Islam Spread by the Sword
Islamist Claim: Islamists argue that the Prophet Muhammad’s military campaigns demonstrate that Islam must be spread through force.
Moderate Response:
Moderate scholars point out that all of the Prophet’s military campaigns were defensive or responses to aggression, not unprovoked attacks. The Qur'an itself sets a strict rule:
وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ
"Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190)
The Prophet’s wars were fought only when Muslims were attacked or betrayed.
Jizyah is a Form of Humiliation for Non-Muslims
Islamist Claim: Islamists argue that Surah At-Tawbah (9:29), which commands non-Muslims to pay the Jizyah (a tax), proves that Islam subjugates non-Muslims.
Moderate Response:
Moderate scholars clarify that the Jizyah was a tax in exchange for protection and exemption from military service.
Islamic Law Must Dominate the World
Islamist Claim: Some Islamists believe that Surah At-Tawbah (9:33) teaches that Islam must politically dominate the world.
Moderate Response:
Moderate scholars explain that "making Islam prevail" does not mean military conquest.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُۥ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ ٱلْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلدِّينِ كُلِّهِۦ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْمُشْرِكُونَ
"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over all religion, even if the disbelievers dislike it."
( Surah At-Tawbah 9:33 )
Ibn Kathir, an early commentator, interpreted this verse as a prophecy of Islam’s spread—which happened peacefully through trade, preaching, and scholarship, not war.
Conclusion
The notion that the Sword Verses supplant peaceful teaching in the Qur'an is oversimplifying. If we read these verses in context and in language, we find that they were spoken in the face of some threats, not as an abiding imperative. When we read the Qur'an in its entirety, it talks of justice and compassion, affirming both self-defense and peaceful coexistence. Although extremists continue to remove these verses out of context and abuse them, most contemporary scholars attest to Islam's commitment to justice, peace, and coexisting harmoniously. Knowing the context of these verses is significant in order to prevent misinterpreting them and to maintain Islam's peace message.
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