“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 Allah is over all things competent?
In the context of this Ayah, Allah addresses the concept of abrogation (Naskh) in the Quran. Initially, Muslims prayed towards Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), but later Allah commanded them to turn towards the Ka’abah. Certain commands were abrogated or replaced, leading to taunts from Jews and idolaters. They claimed that these changes were made by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and not by Allah.
Allah refutes their claim by declaring that He alone knows the wisdom behind His choices and makes changes for the good of humanity. The Ayah emphasizes that Allah is Omnipotent and Omniscient, possessing the authority to change His commandments as He likes.
Naskh (Abrogation) Explained The term “nansakh” means to abolish or repeal. In the context of the Ayah, it refers to the removal of a commandment and its replacement by another. Naskh only occurs with commandments, prohibitions, permissions, etc., and not with stories.
Why Change a Command? Allah changes commands knowing well that circumstances will change and the law will no longer be suitable. This form of abrogation has occurred in Divine commands and Divine books. Every new Shar’iah and revealed Book has been abrogating many commands of the earlier ones.
Examples of Naskh Examples include Allah allowing Prophet Adam to marry his daughters to his sons and then later forbidding this practice. Allah also allowed eating from all kinds of animals after Noah’s ark and then prohibited some types of foods.
Lessons The content emphasizes the importance of understanding the wisdom behind Allah’s commands and the gradual implementation of laws. It also highlights the need to cleanse our hearts of prejudice and to be kind and humble towards those who are taking small steps in understanding the religion
Al baqarah ayat 106 in Arabic and English:
Arabic: مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
English Translation: “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 Allah is over all things competent?”
For a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith and practice, I recommend reading the Surah Al Baqarah Translation. You can also find Quran translations of all the other surahs online.
