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.
Question: What does the principle "the lesson is taken from the generality of wording, not specificity of occasion" mean?
Answer: A verse revealed about one person applies to all who share the same circumstance — it is not limited to the original occasion but extends universally until Judgment Day.