The early broad use of naskh is not identical to its later technical definition. Earlier scholars could use the term for specifying a general rule, qualifying an unrestricted expression, or clarifying an initial understanding. In later legal theory, actual abrogation means that a previously established ruling ceases by a subsequent authoritative proof.
Specification: some instances are excluded from a general rule.
Clarification: an ambiguous or summarized ruling is explained.
True abrogation: a prior established ruling is repealed by a later proof.
To establish technical abrogation, chronological order and an irreconcilable conflict must be shown. If both texts can be read together, claiming abrogation is unwarranted. Apparent differences in counts often reflect differences in terminology.