The Qur’an declares in several places that “God’s word is unchangeable” ( lā tabdīla li-kalimāt Allāh ), but within the same Qur’an we find passages that speak of replacing, correcting or abrogating ( naskh ) previous revelations.
In other words, the Quran says that God’s word does not change, but at the same time it describes how God changes or replaces His word .
Let’s take a closer look at this.
1. Verses Emphasizing the Immutability of God’s Word
a. Soera 6:34
“And there is none who can change the words of God.”
(lā mubaddila li-kalimāti Allāh)
b. Soera 10:64
“There is no change in the words of God; that is the great victory.”
c. Soera 18:27
“And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord; none can change His words.”
Classical explanation:
These verses are usually explained as follows:
– God’s promise, law, and judgment are reliable and unchangeable.
– They concern God’s general truth or decree ( qadar , waʿd , waʿīd ).
But then comes the problem…
2. Verses that do speak of change, replacement, or abolition
a. Surah 2:106 — the verse of abrogation
“Whatever verse (āya) We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We replace it with something better than it or something similar to it.”
(mā nansakh min āyatin aw nunsi’hā na’ti bi-khayrin minhā aw mithlihā)
b. Soera 16:101
And when We replace one verse with another—and God knows best what He sends down—they say, “You have invented it.” No, most of them do not know.
Tension field
| Aspect | Immutability | Change / Abrogation |
|---|---|---|
| Verses | 6:34, 10:64, 18:27 | 2:106, 16:101 |
| Image of God | Consistent, faithful, imperishable | Dynamic, responds to circumstances |
| Image of revelation | Timeless, closed | Progressive, contextual |
| Theological problem | How can an “unchangeable” Word vary internally? | How can God “improve himself”? |
3. The paradox in one sentence
The Quran says:
“No one can change God’s word” (6:34),
but also:
“God replaces one verse with another” (16:101).
Moral-Philosophical: How can a perfect, all-knowing God bring something “better” than He brought before?
Summary
| Statement | Quranic reference | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| God’s word is unchangeable | 6:34, 10:64, 18:27 | No man can change it |
| God changes or replaces verses | 2:106, 16:101 | God Himself revises previous revelation |
| Theological solution | Only God can replace, His will remains constant | |
| Philosophical problem | How can perfection require improvement? |