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016 An-Nahl

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Surah: 016 An-Nahl

016 An-Nahl

This surah is a late Makki revelation, and the mention of the honeybee as a unique creation of Allaah (SWT) and a sign of intelligent design gives this surah its name of An Nahl, or the Bee. Overall, this surah focuses on the unique creative abilities of Allaah (SWT) and encourages everyone to reflect on the balance in the creation of Allaah (SWT), all of which are evidence of an All Superior Creator who runs the universe. Everything in the universe is in submission to Allaah (SWT) although it benefits mankind and is essential for the survival, yet man is ungrateful for these blessings and argues about the purpose of creation.

The polytheists presented various arguments to justify their disbelief, but Allaah (SWT) states that previous nations also expressed themselves similarly when the messengers presented the Divine Message to them. Allaah (SWT) does not force anyone to believe, and He allows them time to mend their ways and submit to Him, but the responsibility of every messenger from Him is only to warn clearly.


On the Day of Reckoning, the polytheists will blame their deities for their misguidance, who will deny their association. The punishment will be more severe for those who not only disbelieved themselves but also prevented others from the truth.


Allaah (SWT) admonishes the believers to be sincere in their oaths and to fulfill them without attempting to deceive others through them. The instruction to seek refuge from the satan before reciting the Qur’an is found in the latter part of this surah, and Allaah (SWT) defends His Book from the allegations leveled against it by the disbelievers. Allaah (SWT) also encourages to enjoy from the provisions that He Has provided and be grateful for them, and to avoid asserting things as prohibited or permissible without authority.

Allaah (SWT) praises Ibraheem (AS) for his uprightness, for which he was rewarded in the world and will be successful in the Hereafter as well. The surah concludes with exhorting the believers to call to the Straight Path using wisdom and beautiful instructions and to be fair in punishing anyone for wrong-doings.