Naskh
Etymology
Naskh (Arabic: نسخ, Turkish: Nesih) is derived from the Arabic root n-s-kh, meaning “to copy” or “to abrogate.”
Definition
Naskh refers to:
- Abrogation (نسخ افعال) – a theoretical tool used to resolve seeming contradictions within the Quran, hadith literature, tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and usul al-fiqh (roots of Islamic jurisprudence). According to this principle, later revelations (or verses) can revoke, repeal, or supersede earlier ones. This is mainly based on Quranic verse 2:106, which suggests that God can replace older revelations with better ones: “We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth one better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is over all things competent?”
- A style of Arabic calligraphy (خط نسخ) – a script characterized by its clarity and legibility, commonly used for writing the Quran and in various manuscripts.
Abrogation (نسخ)
Naskh in the context of Islamic jurisprudence addresses:
Nature and Methodology:
Naskh as abrogation involves:
- Types of Naskh: There are various forms, including the abrogation of a previous ruling while retaining the text, the abrogation of both text and ruling, and the retention of text but abrogation of the rule.
- Criteria: Scholars debate the qualifications for a verse or Hadith to be considered as abrogating or abrogated. Factors include time sequence, clarity of greater benefit, and the authoritative nature of the sources.
Scholarly Perspectives:
- Classical Viewpoints: Imams like al-Shafi’i and jurists like Abu Hanifa engaged deeply with the concept, offering rigorous frameworks and examples.
- Modern Context: Contemporary scholars often re-examine classical interpretations in light of current ethical and societal norms. Some challenge traditional notions of Naskh, proposing that apparent contradictions are instead misinterpretations.
Naskh: Art of Arabic Calligraphy
Naskh as a style of calligraphy highlights:
Characteristics:
- Origins: It became prominent during the Abbasid period.
- Usage: It is one of the oldest Islamic scripts, designed for practicality and readability. It is predominantly used for Quranic text owing to its clear form.
- Aesthetic Design: The script features well-defined, rounded, and proportional letters, making it an exemplary style for both personal and scholarly texts.
Further Studies
Books:
- “Ulum al-Quran: An Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran” by Ahmad von Denffer
- “Abrogation in the Quran and Islamic Law” by Louay Fatoohi
- “Writing and Calligraphy” by Yasin Hammami Al-Sharif
Articles and Journals:
- Articles in the Journal of Quranic Studies and Islamic Law and Society.
- Papers on the implications of Naskh in modern jurisprudence available on academic platforms like JSTOR.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Naskh serves a dual role in both classical jurisprudence and art. As an abrogative tool, it illustrates Islam’s dynamic understanding of revelation, ensuring that Islamic law remains applicable and beneficial across different contexts and times. As a calligraphy style, it exemplifies the artistry inherent within Islamic culture, emphasizing clarity and aesthetics.
In summary, Naskh demonstrates the interplay between form and function, manifesting as a vital principle in legal theory and a celebrated art form in the Islamic tradition.
