URDU - The Narrations of Asbāb al-Nuzūl and the Abrogation, Specification, and Restriction of Qur'ānic Verses: An Analytical Study

روایاتِ سبب نزول اور تنسیخ، تخصیص و تقییدِ آیات: تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

This research study examines the critical role of Asbāb al-Nuzūl (occasions of revelation) narrations in the interpretation of the Holy Qur'ān, specifically focusing on their function in determining abrogation (naskh), specification (takhṣīṣ), and restriction (taqyīd) of Qur'ānic verses. The various disciplines codified for the interpretation of the Qur'ān, including Uṣūl al-Fiqh, 'Ulūm al-Qur'ān, and Uṣūl al-Tafsīr, are deeply interconnected in their shared objective of preserving the words and meanings of the divine revelation while clarifying its guidance through diverse methodological perspectives. Among these, Asbāb al-Nuzūl holds particular significance as an independent discipline that systematically documents the historical and contextual circumstances surrounding the revelation of verses, establishing principles for evaluating the authenticity of narrations and reconciling conflicting reports. This study investigates how these narrations serve as essential tools for exegetes in identifying abrogating and abrogated verses, distinguishing between general ('āmm) and specific (khāṣṣ) applications, and determining when absolute (muṭlaq) expressions should be restricted (muqayyad). Through a comprehensive analysis of classical and contemporary scholarly works, the research demonstrates that Asbāb al-Nuzūl narrations provide indispensable contextual evidence for understanding the legislative intent of Qur'ānic verses and their practical application in Islamic law. The study concludes that a thorough understanding of these narrations is essential for accurate Qur'ānic interpretation and for resolving apparent conflicts between verses, thereby ensuring the coherent and consistent application of Islamic legal principles derived from the divine text.