Islam teaches that every verse of the Holy Quran is valid and that there are no superfluous or contradictory verses. The Holy Quran states it contains “no excess” (6:39).
Extremists, attempting to exploit Islam, argue that so-called ‘violent’ verses abrogate any Quranic verses advocating peace. For example, they argue that verse 9:5, “And when the forbidden months have passed, kill the idolaters wherever you find them and take them prisoners, and beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush …” abrogates 2:257 “There is no compulsion in religion.” However, 9:5 refers to actions Muslims are permitted to take in self-defense when attacked while 2:257 demonstrates that under no circumstance are Muslims ever allowed to compel their faith on others. No contradiction or abrogation exists. Extremists also cite, “Whatever Sign We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than that or the like thereof …” (2:107), to demonstrate that later verses abrogate earlier verses. However, this misguided view disregards the fact uncovered from simple contextual examination that 2:107 refers to the abrogation of previous non-Muslim scriptures, not previous Quranic verses.
The Holy Quran declares, “He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book; in it there are verses that are decisive in meaning—they are the basis of the Book—and there are others that are susceptible of different interpretations. But those in whose hearts is perversity pursue such thereof as are susceptible of different interpretations, seeking discord and seeking wrong interpretation of it. And none knows its right interpretation except Allah and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge; they say, ‘We believe in it; the whole is from our Lord.’ — And none heed except those gifted with understanding” (3:8) and “Allah has sent down the best Message in the form of a Book, whose verses are mutually supporting…” (39:24). The Holy Qur’an declares that its mutually supporting verses and complete Divine origin categorically reject abrogation.
Extremists—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—also argue that Islam permits treachery (“taqiyya”). But this belief is utterly false. The Holy Quran states, “And confound not truth with falsehood nor hide the truth, knowingly” (2:43), and “Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do” (4:136). The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa also instructed Muslims, “It is obligatory for you to tell the truth” (Muslim). This demonstrates that deception and lying are incompatible with Islam.
Therefore, Islam categorically rejects the doctrine of abrogation and lying (taqiyya).