URDU: آیت کریمہ "لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ" کی تفسیر: مفسرین کی آراء کی روشنی میں تحقیقی جائزہ
The Concept of 'No Alteration in Allah's Creation': An Exegetical Study of Surah Ar-Rum, Verse 30
Abstract
This research article presents a comparative and analytical review of the exegetical opinions regarding the Qur’anic verse: "لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ" (There is no altering the creation of Allah), found in Surah Ar-Rum, Verse 30. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the comprehensive meaning of this verse by analyzing the perspectives of early (Salaf) and later (Mutakharin) commentators, including Imam Mujahid, Al-Tabari, Al-Maturidi, Al-Razi, Ibn Kathir, and Rasheed Rizaرحمھم اللہ .The study employs a comparative and analytical exegetical methodology, systematically examining the interpretations across various major tafsir works. The opinions are contextualized based on the commentators' historical periods, theological schools of thought (Kalam), and legal leanings (Fiqh) to understand the diversity within the interpretation of ‘Khalq Allah’. This approach links the early interpretations (Divine Religion and physical alteration) with later theological analysis (Al-Razi's intellectual depth and Ibn Kathir's reliance on Prophetic traditionsﷺ).The analysis reveals two central interpretations of the verse. 1. Prohibition of Altering the Fitrah (Divine Disposition/Religion) - The Legislative Command: The consensus among the majority of commentators, supported by the Prophetic tradition regarding Fitrah and the context of the verse (ending with ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ - That is the correct religion), holds that the verse primarily forbids changing the innate monotheistic disposition (Fitrah) into polytheism or misguidance. 2. Prohibition of Altering Physical Creation - The Material Command: This applies to forbidden acts like Al-Ikhsa’ (castration) and Al-Washm (tattooing), which, as cited from Surah An-Nisa, are commands of Satan. Furthermore, some theological commentators (Kalam) interpreted the verse as asserting the immutability of Divine Decree (Qada’ wa Qadar) concerning the eternal state of happiness or wretchedness (Sa‘adah wa Shaqawah). In conclusion, the verse establishes a fundamental principle encompassing the protection of monotheism, adherence to the innate disposition, and avoiding both spiritual and unwarranted physical corruption of Allah’s creation.
