Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106
سُورَةُ البَقَرَةِ · Medinan · Verse 106 of 286
۞ مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍۢ مِّنْهَآ أَوْ مِثْلِهَآ ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
Translation
Any revelation We cause to be superseded or forgotten, We replace with something better or similar. Do you [Prophet] not know that God has power over everything?
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse addresses the wisdom behind changes in Allah's revelations, responding to those who questioned such alterations in divine law. Allah, the Exalted, speaks directly to us, reassuring the Prophet Muhammad and the believers.
What the Words Reveal
The verse begins with "مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا" (Mā nansakh min āyatin aw nunsihā), meaning "Whatever verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten". Let us reflect on these key words:
The word "ننسخ" (nansakh), from the root *nasakha*, encompasses two primary meanings as scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain. It can mean "to remove or abolish" something by replacing it with another, like the sun replacing shade. It can also mean "to copy or transfer," as when one copies a book. In the context of divine law, this signifies removing a previous ruling and establishing a new one in its place. The verse uses "آية" (āyah), which Ibn Ashur meticulously clarifies. While it originally means "sign" or "proof" and is used for miracles, in the Quran, it specifically refers to a portion of the divine text containing a legal ruling, an admonition, or another message. Thus, the abrogation discussed here primarily concerns the rulings or the text itself, not merely a general sign.
Then comes "أَوْ نُنسِهَا" (aw nunsihā). This word presents a beautiful linguistic nuance due to different authentic readings. The most common reading, "نُنسِهَا" (nunsihā), from *insaa'*, means "We cause it to be forgotten" or "remove it from hearts and minds," as stated by al-Jalalaynan and al-Zamakhshari. This might refer to a verse whose recitation is halted, leading to its gradual forgetfulness among people. Another significant reading, "نُنسَأْهَا" (nansa'ahā), from *nasa'a*, means "We delay it" or "postpone its revelation." Ibn Ashur explains this as delaying the promulgation of a rule or its abrogation. Regardless of the reading, the core idea is that Allah, in His wisdom, orchestrates either the replacement or the removal/delay of a divine instruction.
The Divine Promise
Crucially, whatever Allah removes or causes to be forgotten, "نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍۢ مِّنْهَآ أَوْ مِثْلِهَآ" (na'ti bi-khayrin minhā aw mithlihā), "We bring forth [something] better than it or similar to it." This phrasing assures us of Allah's ultimate care. The new ruling is never arbitrary; it is either "better," offering greater benefit to humanity in terms of ease, reward, or suitability for the time, or "similar," maintaining an equivalent level of benefit and justice. Ibn Ashur elaborates that this "خيرية" (khayriyya, goodness) or "مثليّة" (mithliyya, similarity) relates to what best suits people's interests, repels harm, brings good consequences, or offers greater reward or gentleness. This choice of words highlights that all divine legislation, even when changed, is rooted in Allah's perfect wisdom and profound compassion for His creation.
The Affirmation of Power
The verse concludes with a powerful rhetorical question: "أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ" (Alam ta'lam anna Allaha 'ala kulli shay'in Qadeer?), meaning "Do you not know that Allah is over all things capable?" This question, though grammatically addressed to the Prophet, extends to all believers, serving as an emphatic affirmation. As Ibn Ashur points out, it's not a query about ignorance but a declaration of undeniable truth. The Divine Name "قدير" (Qadeer), meaning "All-Capable," used here, signifies Allah's absolute and boundless power. He is capable of initiating, changing, and perfecting all legislation, and of managing all affairs in the heavens and the earth according to His infinite wisdom and knowledge. This verse invites us to trust fully in Allah's sovereignty and wisdom, recognizing that every divine decree, whether abrogated or upheld, is for our ultimate good.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.