Bible Quote by Edward Gibbon
“Instead of a perpetual and perfect measure of the divine will, the fragments of the Koran were produced at the discretion of Mahomet; each revelation is suited to the emergencies of his policy or passion; and all contradiction is removed by the saving maxim that any text of Scripture is abrogated or modified by any subsequent passage.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that the Qur'an's verses were context‑specific revelations shaped by Muhammad's political and personal needs, not a timeless, immutable divine code.
In simple terms: Contextual, politically driven scripture
Key Takeaway
Scripture as adaptive tool
Themes
religion
history
politics
textual criticism
authority
Mood
analytical
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- scholarly debate
- interfaith dialogue
- historical analysis
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
revelation
abrogation
prophetic discretion
Practical Applications
- critical study of religious texts
- educational modules on scriptural development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the concept of abrogation affect modern interpretations?
- What evidence supports or refutes the claim of political motivation?
A Different Perspective
Some scholars maintain that the Qur'an's consistency and internal coherence suggest a divine origin beyond mere political expediency.
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