۞ مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَآ أَوْ مِثْلِهَآ ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 106
Translations
We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allāh is over all things competent?
Transliteration
Ma nansakh min ayatin aw nunsiha nati bi-khayrin minha aw mithliha. Alam ta'lam anna Allaha ala kulli shay'in qadeer.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the concept of naskh (abrogation) in the Quran, clarifying that when Allah abrogates a verse or causes it to be forgotten, He replaces it with something better or equivalent. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as Divine wisdom—abrogation occurs not out of imperfection but as a mercy tailored to the changing circumstances and needs of the Muslim community. The ayah concludes by affirming Allah's absolute power over all things, establishing that such legislative changes are entirely within His authority and are part of His perfect plan.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina in response to the criticisms of polytheists and People of the Book who questioned the validity of Islam when they observed changes in rulings between the Meccan and Medinan periods (such as changes in the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba). It addresses doubts about the consistency of Divine revelation and establishes the theological framework for understanding legislative changes.
Related Hadiths
Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu anhu) reported that the Quraysh questioned the Prophet about abrogated verses, and this ayah was revealed in response (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). Umar ibn al-Khattab's understanding of naskh is documented in Sahih Bukhari regarding the abrogation of the verse permitting khamr (intoxicants) in stages.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that changes in Islamic law are signs of Divine wisdom and mercy, not inconsistency, helping believers accept legislative transformations with understanding and trust in Allah's perfect governance. It reminds us that questioning Divine decisions shows limited perspective, and we should rely on Allah's infinite knowledge and power in all matters.