Advanced Monotheism Surah: Abasa (1)

A Methodological Principle in the Science of Asbab Al-Nuzul:
Scholars of Quranic methodology established a golden rule: "The lesson is taken from the generality of the wording, not the specificity of the occasion."

Meaning:
When a verse is revealed about a specific person or incident, it applies to all who resemble that case until the Day of Judgment. For example: Surah Abasa was revealed about the Prophet ﷺ and Ibn Umm Maktum — but the lesson is universal: "Do not diminish before the wealthy and despise the poor."

Applications:

• "No compulsion in religion" — revealed about specific Ansar, but applies to all cases of coercion
• The Hijab verse — revealed about the Prophet's wives, but extends to all believing women
• "If a wicked person brings news" — about Al-Walid, but applies to all unreliable reports

Exception: Some rulings are specific to the Prophet ﷺ based on other evidence — such as marriage to more than four wives.

Source: Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan fi Ulum Al-Quran (1/37); Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fi Ulum Al-Quran

Tags: عموم اللفظخصوص السببأصول التفسيرقواعد أسباب النزولمنهجية