Al-An'am (ٱلْأَنْعَام)

Surah Al-An'am (الأَنْعَام) is the 6th surah of the Quran. Its meaning is 'The Cattle.' It's a Makki surah, revealed during the last phase of the Prophet's (ﷺ) life in Mecca. The surah contains 165 verses, 20 Rukus, and is located in the 7th and 8th Juz of the holy Quran. Similar to the preceding Surah Al-Maida, this surah also tells us about the all-encompassing knowledge and glory of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It urges people to reject pagan practices and beliefs, especially idol worship. There are also more detailed rules about what foods we can or cannot consume. There is also an emphasis on what prophethood means and that even prophets only do something if Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Wills it. 

This surah was likely revealed in one sitting. There is a narration by Hazrat Ibn Abbas that Asma, the daughter of Yazid, witnessed the revelation of this surah. She reported that at the time of the revelation, the Prophet (ﷺ) was on his camel, and she was holding its nose string. When the revelation came, its weight was so much that the camel's bones were in danger of breaking. Since Asma bint Yazid, the daughter of Yazid ibn Sakhn who was martyred while protecting the Prophet Muhammad in the battle of Uhud, was from the Ansar of Medina, it follows that Surah Al An'am is from the later Meccan period. 

٦ - ٱلْأَنْعَام

6 - Al-An'am

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلہِ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ الظُّلُمٰتِ وَالنُّوْرَ۝۰ۥۭ ثُمَّ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا بِرَبِّہِمْ يَعْدِلُوْنَ۝۱
Alhamdu lillahi allathee khalaqa alssamawati waalarda wajaAAala alththulumati waalnnoora thumma allatheena kafaroo birabbihim yaAAdiloona

English

Ahmed Ali

ALL PRAISE BE to God who created the heavens and the earth, and ordained darkness and light. Yet the unbelievers make the others equal of their Lord.

1

ہُوَالَّذِيْ خَلَقَكُمْ مِّنْ طِيْنٍ ثُمَّ قَضٰۗى اَجَلًا۝۰ۭ وَاَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِنْدَہٗ ثُمَّ اَنْتُمْ تَمْتَرُوْنَ۝۲
Huwa allathee khalaqakum min teenin thumma qada ajalan waajalun musamman AAindahu thumma antum tamtaroona

English

Ahmed Ali

It is He who created you from clay then determined a term (of life) for you, and a term (is fixed) with Him. Even then you doubt.

2

وَہُوَاللہُ فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَفِي الْاَرْضِ۝۰ۭ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّكُمْ وَ جَہْرَكُمْ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُوْنَ۝۳
Wahuwa Allahu fee alssamawati wafee alardi yaAAlamu sirrakum wajahrakum wayaAAlamu ma taksiboona

English

Ahmed Ali

He is God in the heavens and the earth. He knows what you hide and bring out into the open, and knows what you earn (of good and evil).

3

وَمَا تَاْتِيْہِمْ مِّنْ اٰيَۃٍ مِّنْ اٰيٰتِ رَبِّہِمْ اِلَّا كَانُوْا عَنْہَا مُعْرِضِيْنَ۝۴
Wama tateehim min ayatin min ayati rabbihim illa kanoo AAanha muAArideena

English

Ahmed Ali

Yet no sign of their Lord comes to them but they turn away from it.

4

فَقَدْ كَذَّبُوْا بِالْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاۗءَہُمْ۝۰ۭ فَسَوْفَ يَاْتِيْہِمْ اَنْۢبٰۗـؤُا مَا كَانُوْا بِہٖ يَسْتَہْزِءُوْنَ۝۵
Faqad kaththaboo bialhaqqi lamma jaahum fasawfa yateehim anbao ma kanoo bihi yastahzioona

English

Ahmed Ali

So they disbelieved the truth when it came to them; but they will soon come to know the reality of what they had ridiculed.

5

اَلَمْ يَرَوْا كَمْ اَہْلَكْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِہِمْ مِّنْ قَرْنٍ مَّكَّنّٰہُمْ فِي الْاَرْضِ مَا لَمْ نُمَكِّنْ لَّكُمْ وَاَرْسَلْنَا السَّمَاۗءَ عَلَيْہِمْ مِّدْرَارًا۝۰۠ وَّجَعَلْنَا الْاَنْھٰرَ تَجْرِيْ مِنْ تَحْتِہِمْ فَاَہْلَكْنٰہُمْ بِذُنُوْبِہِمْ وَاَنْشَاْنَا مِنْۢ بَعْدِہِمْ قَرْنًا اٰخَرِيْنَ۝۶
Alam yaraw kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarnin makkannahum fee alardi ma lam numakkin lakum waarsalna alssamaa AAalayhim midraran wajaAAalna alanhara tajree min tahtihim faahlaknahum bithunoobihim waanshana min baAAdihim qarnan akhareena

English

Ahmed Ali

Do they not see how many generations We laid low before them, whom We had firmly established in the land as We have not established you, and showered abundant rain on them, and made rivers lap at their feet, yet whom We destroyed for their sins, and raised new generations after them?

6

وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ كِتٰبًا فِيْ قِرْطَاسٍ فَلَمَسُوْہُ بِاَيْدِيْہِمْ لَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْۗا اِنْ ہٰذَاۗ اِلَّا سِحْـرٌ مُّبِيْنٌ۝۷
Walaw nazzalna AAalayka kitaban fee qirtasin falamasoohu biaydeehim laqala allatheena kafaroo in hatha illa sihrun mubeenun

English

Ahmed Ali

Even if We had sent you a transcript on paper which they could feel with their hands, the unbelievers would have said: "This is nothing but clear sorcery."

7

وَقَالُوْا لَوْلَاۗ اُنْزِلَ عَلَيْہِ مَلَكٌ۝۰ۭ وَلَوْ اَنْزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِيَ الْاَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنْظَرُوْنَ۝۸
Waqaloo lawla onzila AAalayhi malakun walaw anzalna malakan laqudiya alamru thumma la yuntharoona

English

Ahmed Ali

They say: "How is it no angel was sent down to him?" Had We sent an angel down the matter would have come to end, and they would have had no respite.

8

وَلَوْ جَعَلْنٰہُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنٰہُ رَجُلًا وَّلَـلَبَسْـنَا عَلَيْہِمْ مَّا يَلْبِسُوْنَ۝۹
Walaw jaAAalnahu malakan lajaAAalnahu rajulan walalabasna AAalayhim ma yalbisoona

English

Ahmed Ali

Even if We had sent down an angel as messenger he would have appeared in the garb of a man and filled them with confusion, like the one they are filled with.

9

وَلَقَدِ اسْتُہْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِالَّذِيْنَ سَخِرُوْا مِنْہُمْ مَّا كَانُوْا بِہٖ يَسْتَہْزِءُوْنَ۝۱۰ۧ
Walaqadi istuhzia birusulin min qablika fahaqa biallatheena sakhiroo minhum ma kanoo bihi yastahzioona

English

Ahmed Ali

Surely the apostles have been mocked before you; but what they had mocked rebounded on the mockers themselves.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-An’am is the first Makki Surah in the sequence of recitation of the Quran. It is also one of the longest Surahs of the Quran. It is believed that it was revealed completely in one session, most probably during the night. Unlike the Madni Surahs, it is hard, sometimes even impossible, to determine the exact occasion or event associated with the revelation of Makki Surahs. The Prophet spent around 13 years in Mecca after his Prophethood. The most probable occasion of revelation of any Makki Surah can be determined on the basis of its theme and subject matter, correlating it with different phases of the Prophet's life in Mecca.

During the first three years of his Prophethood, his preaching was restricted to his close friends and family members, quite secretly. During the next two years, he started inviting the general public to the Message of Islam. During this period, the opposition by the Quraysh of Mecca started increasing, which soon turned into severe persecution and disdain. In the next six years, the persecution of Muslims, including the Prophet himself, turned so harsh and brutal that the Prophet advised some of the Muslims to migrate to Habshah. In the tenth year of the Prophethood, he lost his beloved wife, Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا, and the most helpful, caring, and loving uncle, Abu Talib, one after the other. The last three years of the Prophet's stay in Mecca were the hardest time for him, as he was left without the support of his wife and uncle, which ultimately led to the historic Hijrat-e-Medina.

The subject matter and theme of Surah Al-An’am suggest that it was revealed during the last phase of the Meccan life of the Prophet, most probably just before the migration. This was the time when the persecution and opposition by the Quraysh were at their peak. This Surah was most probably revealed to strengthen the Prophet and his followers in this testing time, marked with severe, rather brutal persecution at the hands of the Quraysh. It was revealed to address the basic and fundamental Islamic teachings on the Oneness of God and rejection of polytheism (idol worship). It also addresses the core issues, such as the concept of life after death and accountability on the Day of Resurrection. The demand for a miracle by the Quraysh is also responded to in this Surah by giving the examples of previous nations, who did not follow the preaching of the Prophets sent to them.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-An’am is a Makki Surah, revealed during the last phase of the Meccan life of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

Place in the Quran

It is the 6th Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) 7 and 8. It appears after Surah An-Ma’idah and before Surah Al-A’raf. Per the order of revelation, it is the 55th Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 6.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-An’am has 165 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-An’am consists of 20 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-An’am

Surah Al-An’am is one of the most virtuous Surahs of the Quran. It provides a comprehensive narration on the main Islamic belief, monotheism (Tauheed), and rejection of idol worship (polytheism), as was the practice of the pagans of Mecca at the time of the revelation of this Surah.

The significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

  • Foundation of Theology of Islam – One of the most fundamental and basic beliefs in Islam is the concept of Tauheed, or monotheism. The pagans of Mecca were deeply involved in idolatry, the worst form of Shirk. Surah Al-An’am, like many other Meccan Surahs, categorically rejected the concept of idolatry by giving logical reasoning and arguments from nature. This Surah invites mankind to realize the existence of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, through His Creations and Signs visible all around us in this Universe. In this context, this is one of the most significant narrations of the Quran, which is a rich source of strengthening one's Iman (faith).
  • As a Source of Core Belief – In addition to the fundamental belief in Tauheed (monotheism), this Surah also narrates other core creeds, such as the concept of resurrection on the Day of Judgment and the concept of life hereafter. Hence, reciting this Surah serves as a reminder of these core beliefs.
  • Consolation for the Prophet – One of the important topics discussed in this surah pertains to the struggles of previous Prophets, whose nations did not follow them and denied the right path. Mentioning these stories in this Surah is a sort of consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, who was facing a similar situation at the time of the revelation of this Surah.
  • Final Advice to Break from Ancestral Practices – The Meccans were deeply entrenched in following the wrong practices and traditions of their ancestors and were unwilling to disentangle themselves from them. Through the verses of this Surah, they were warned about the consequences of these practices. They were invited to follow the righteous path as conveyed to them by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
  • Special Blessings – According to some traditions, regular recitation of this Surah invokes a sense of following Tuaheed and protection from shirk. However, no authentic reference to this concept is available in the Hadith collections, although reciting any of the Surahs of the Quran brings huge rewards, both in this world and in the life hereafter.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-An'am

The surah discusses various subjects, including the oneness of Allah, wahi (divine revelation) on prophets, and the guidance Allah sends down for His creation. The detail of the topics in Surah Al-An'am is given below:

  • Tawhid and Monotheism 

One of the main topics of this surah is accepting tawhid or the Oneness of Allah. Islam preaches that there is no God but Allah. At the time, pagans were worshipping multiple self-made gods. Islam emphasized the oneness of Allah. He is the sole creator of the universe, and He alone should be worshipped. 

  • Life After Death

In non-Abrahamic religions, there is no concept of life after death. Islam admonished all to live their life according to the principles of Islam to avoid punishment in this life and the next. Islam gave the concept of eternal life, which will begin on the day of resurrection when Allah will raise the dead to weigh their good and bad deeds and assign them to heaven or hell for eternity. 

The verses underscore how things will be on the Day of Qiyamah or Judgment. On this day, everyone will be held responsible for what they did or didn't do during their lives. With this in mind, Muslims should always remember that we will have to answer for our deeds and be punished or rewarded accordingly. 

  • Reflection on Creation

Surah Al-An'am also invites its reciters to contemplate the world around them. They can always find evidence of the existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ in them. After all, the complex and perfect designs of nature testify to the Majesty and Knowledge of our Lord. 

  • Prophethood

The surah highlights the Prophets and the roles they played in conveying Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ message. Several verses emphasize how the Quran continues the message of the previous Holy Books. It also helps us recognize and acknowledge past messengers like Moses, Abraham, Noah, Jesus, and other prophets. 

  • Guidance for Everyday Life

This surah provides valuable guidance about ethics, morals, and justice that Muslims should use in their everyday lives. This way, we have a framework in mind about how to deal with other people. In addition, Surah Al-An'am provides moral guidance to Muslims. It urges Muslims to practice honesty, justice, and righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, keeping promises, and treating others with kindness. The surah also prohibits certain actions, such as murder, theft, and deception, guiding the believers to live morally upright lives.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-An'am

There are various benefits of this surah, especially when recited regularly. Ibn Durais (rahimahullah) has recorded a narration about the importance of Surah Al-An'am in the 'Fadailul Quran.' The gist of it is that whoever recites the first 3 ayahs of Surah Al-An'am after the Fajr prayer will have 40 thousand angels writing good deeds for them. On the day of Qiyamah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ will tell them to walk in His shade, and bathe from the Salsabil (a fountain of Jannah), drink from the Kawthar, and enter Jannah. However, this is written as a saying of Abu Muhammad Al Farisi (rahimahullah) instead of a hadith. (Fadailul Quran, pg. 95). 

From this narration, we may hope that these angels will make supplications for the reciter's well-being and benefit. Another benefit is that this surah may provide protection from the wrongdoings of evil people and Shaitan. It also helps the believer reach a heightened state of Taqwa or God-consciousness. There are other Da'if (weak) Hadith and narrations that point toward the majesty of Surah Al-An’am. One source states that the surah was followed by 70,000 angels reciting words to glorify Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. Finally, it is believed that reciting this surah might help one attain forties in this life and forgiveness in the next. Along with the recitation of the surah, we should also focus on reading the translation and tafsir of this surah. This practice will help us attain more knowledge and increase the benefits we get from recitation. 

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-An’am by Renowned Qaris

Listening to the recitation of the Quran is very important, as it provides us with an opportunity to learn how to pronounce different Quranic words correctly. It becomes even more important in some cases, as a slight mistake in pronunciation may entirely change its meaning. For non-Arabic speakers, the matter becomes even more sensitive, as they might not be able to correctly read the Arabic words of some of the Quranic verses, whereas reading the Quran with Tajweed is crucial. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari may help us in understanding the correct way of recitation of the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Al-An’am.

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FAQs:

The meaning of Al-An’am is "The Cattle." In the context of Surah Al-An’am, it refers to the wrong and superstitious beliefs of the Pagans of Mecca, regarding the misconception about the lawfulness of some Cattle (Al-An’am), whereas describing some others as unlawful by them.

Surah Al-An’am has 165 verses.

It can be recited anytime during the day or night. No specific time is associated with its recitation. No specific time is associated with or recommended for its recitation.  

Yes, the Quran is a guidance for all of humanity. It is not explicitly sent for Arabic-speaking people; it is equally beneficial for everyone, regardless of their native language. Anyone who recites any of the surahs or verses of the Quran, including Surah Al-An’am, gets equal benefits, regardless of their actual language. However, it is better to try to understand the meanings of the verses of the Surah while reciting it.