What is abrogation in the Quran?

What the Quran says about it

The Quran also mentions that when Allah replaces one verse with another, people accuse the Prophet ﷺ of making things up (Quran 16:101). Muslims understand naskh as part of Allah's wisdom in guiding people step by step. It doesn't mean Allah changes His mind; He always knew what would come next. The gradual ban on alcohol is a clear example of rulings coming in stages. See Where does the Quran forbid alcohol?

Examples scholars discuss

• The direction of prayer: at first the Prophet ﷺ prayed facing Jerusalem in Madinah, for sixteen or seventeen months, though he wished to face the Kaaba (Sahih al-Bukhari 40). Then the command came to turn to the Sacred Mosque (Quran 2:144).
• Fasting in Ramadan: Salama reported that when the verse about the choice to fast or feed a poor person was revealed, people could choose. Then the next verse, which says "whoever is present this month, let them fast", abrogated that choice (Sahih al-Bukhari 4507; Quran 2:184-185).

Even here, scholars differ. Ibn Abbas said the earlier verse was not abrogated but remains for the elderly who cannot fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 4505). This shows how carefully early scholars discussed the topic.

How many verses are abrogated?

Most scholars accept that abrogation exists, but they disagree about its extent. Some early writers used the word "naskh" very broadly, including cases where a verse was only qualified or made more specific. Later scholars counted far fewer real cases, with opinions ranging from a handful to around twenty. A small number of scholars said there is no abrogation in the Quran at all. Today, most scholars say a ruling should only be called abrogated when there is clear evidence, for example when a verse or the Prophet ﷺ states it, or when the order of revelation is certain.

What abrogation does not mean

• It does not apply to Allah's attributes, stories of the prophets or matters of belief, only to rulings.
• It doesn't mean any part of the Quran is untrue or has been lost.
• It does not mean one verse can be used to cancel every verse you find uncomfortable. Verses should first be read together, in context.

If you have come across claims that one verse "cancels" many others, ask a knowledgeable teacher before drawing conclusions. See How do I understand the verses about fighting in the Quran? See What should I do if a Quran verse feels harsh or confusing?