Surah An-Nahl (النَّحْل) is the 16th chapter of the Qur'an, getting its name from verse 16:68 after the word used for honeybee. This surah was revealed in Makkah, making it Makki, similar to its preceding surah, Al-Hijr. It consists of 128 ayahs (verses) divided into 16 Ruku (sections). The surah is the last in the 14th Juz/Parah and ends with it. Surah An-Nahl was revealed before Hijrah (migration) in a period of intense persecution by the rejectors of Allah's Message. Its words specifically remind the Quraysh of Allah's signs to inspire rumination and to abandon idolatry.
Surah An-Nahl inspires wonder and reflection in its reader with its emphasis on the natural world as a sign of Allah's creation and mercy. There are themes of divine blessings, the importance of gratitude, and the consequences of ingratitude, similar to Surah al-Hijr and Surah Ibrahim that were also revealed in the same time period. It serves as a reminder of the numerous blessings Allah has bestowed upon humanity, urging them to reflect on these signs and show gratitude with submission to His Message.
١٦ - ٱلنَّحْل
16 - An-Nahl
English
Ahmed Ali
1
English
Ahmed Ali
2
English
Ahmed Ali
3
English
Ahmed Ali
4
English
Ahmed Ali
5
English
Ahmed Ali
6
English
Ahmed Ali
7
English
Ahmed Ali
8
English
Ahmed Ali
9
English
Ahmed Ali
10
Surah An-Nahl (النَّحْل) was revealed in the last stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life in Mecca, just around the time when the first migration of Muslims to Habshah took place. It was a difficult time for the Muslims, especially the poor and weak. Despite consistent invitation by the Prophet to accept the Message of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, the Quraysh of Mecca were not only in a state of denial and rejection but also had started mocking and ridiculing the Prophet. During that period, their oppression and persecution of the Prophet and his followers had also reached a stage that compelled the Prophet to advise some of his followers to leave Mecca and migrate to Habshah.
These were the circumstances that necessitated the revelation of Surah An-Nahl. It was a sort of reassurance to the Muslims as well as a stern warning to those who were still in a mode of denial and rejection. Through the revelation of this Surah, they were invited to think about the unlimited blessings of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, by giving examples from nature, skies, earth, crops, animals, and above all from the life of humankind. The Surah also emphasized the reality and certainty of the day of Resurrection and accountability, which everyone would have to face. It also highlighted the difference between belief and disbelief, guidance and misguidance, and gratitude and ingratitude.
Primarily, the purpose of the revelation of this Surah was to emphasize monotheism and the condemnation of Shirk. It also served as a word of consolation to the Prophet in the most difficult phase of his Prophethood.
Surah An-Nahl is a Makki Surah, revealed around the period after the first migration of Muslims to Habshah. It is also believed that the last three verses of this Surah were most probably revealed after Hijrat-e-Medina.
It is the 16th Surah of the Quran. It is placed in the 14th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah An-Hijr and before Surah Al-Isra. It is the 70th Surah as per the order of revelation, but in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 16.
The significance of Surah An-Nahl can be summarized as follows:
Monotheism or Tawheed is the core belief in Islamic theology. Most of the Makki Surahs specifically emphasize this concept. Surah An-Nahl is also one of those Surahs of the Quran, where Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is emphasized. In this Surah, the disbelievers are also strictly warned against associating partners with Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, describing it as an act of Shirk. While refuting the polytheistic beliefs of the disbelievers, idolatry is strictly prohibited in Islam as the ultimate powers to Create, Guide, and Sustain belong only to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This surah, therefore, strengthens one’s firm belief in Tawheed.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has mentioned His bounties in such a way that many scholars often call it the Surah of Blessings (Surah an-Ni’am). Humankind is invited to realize and recognize the endless blessings and bounties of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ by not only recognizing and acknowledging them but also paying gratitude and thankfulness to Him. While the Surah reminds the believers of these blessings, it also suggests that rejecting them may constitute disbelief.
Justice, good conduct, and demonstrating generosity with relatives are specifically emphasized in this Surah, whereas immorality, bad deeds, and oppressive acts are categorically condemned in this Surah in the 90th verse. Hence, it is often referred to as complete guidance to humankind for dealing with others, especially relatives. It is a sort of moral and ethical guidance for the believers.
Despite the severe persecution by the disbelievers of Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ and his followers were advised to observe patience and firmly trust Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for His Support and Guidance to come out of this difficult time. This Surah, therefore, is a source of encouragement for us that whatever might be the severity of the difficult times, believing in Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Help, while observing patience, is the key to success.
The last two verses of this Surah, which are believed to have been sent down after the Prophet’s migration to Medina, narrate the importance of repentance, in the context of renouncing Islam under stress by some of the believers, who later on repented, it is established that the Mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is always there for those who repent and repent with sincerity for any wrong act, committed under compulsion.
The important subjects and themes of this surah focus fundamentally on the idea of Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism) with Shirk (Association or Polytheism). This is done with very convincing proofs of Tauhid and refutations of shirk based on the plain signs in the universe and in man's own self. Surah An-Nahl (النَّحْل) is a listing of Allah's blessings and a call to return to submission to Him. It highlights several aspects of the nature of the earth, such as livestock, crops, and the honeybee, and cites them as signs of Allah's generosity and care for his creation. For example, verses 16:5-8 discuss the merits of livestock in transport, food, and clothing, stressing recognition and appreciation for these blessings. The ayah reminding the reader/listener of the blessing of the honeybee fascinates readers. Allah says:
"Your Lord predisposed the bees to make their hives in mountains, trees, and trellises" (16:68).
The surah is named after the word An-Nahl (النَّحْل) in this ayah, which means "The Bee," and draws attention to the intricate and purposeful creation of the honeybee. While it is named so, merely to distinguish it from other Surahs, this has attracted the attention of nature lovers. Allah says that He inspired the bee to build its hives and produce honey, an extract that heals human beings. It is an awesome reminder of Allah's wisdom and all beings being interconnected under His creation. The mention of these finely wrought natures places observation and reflection at the center of their role in fathoming the existence and might of Allah concerning the earth.
Surah An-Nahl encompasses issues relating to prophets and Holy revelations. The surah narrates stories of those prophets sent to their people in the past to preach the message of Tauhid, with deterrent examples of what happened to them after rejection. That relates to one of the important themes found in the Quran: The Day of Judgment, when everyone shall be present before the Creator to account for their deeds, so that the reader of this message lives a good life by abiding by Allah's commands. Commentators point out how "the moral changes which the Message of the Holy Prophet aims to bring practically in human life" have also been illustrated briefly. The surah shows that faith in Allah must find expression in morals and day-to-day practical life, in response to the Mushrikeens who merely made verbal professions.
Verse 125 of the surah is especially instructive, reiterating the need to manifest one's faith in Islam in action. "Call them to the path of your Lord with wisdom and words of good advice and reason with them in the best way possible. Your Lord surely knows who strays from His path, and He knows those who are guided the right way." (16:125).
This ayah describes the typical behavior that believers need to acquire to remain firm in their faith despite the odds. It emphasizes being patient and persistent in the message of Deen and recalling that, after all, it is Allah who does whatever He has to do.
Surah An-Nahl offers enlightening lessons through instructive words, just as other surahs of the Quran do. Its central themes, one of which is the description of signs in nature, offer essential guidance on the spiritual path of a Muslim. If one recites this surah frequently, with deliberate and mindful contemplation, it will go deep within the person and readily come out to be applied in life. At the core of it, feelings of gratitude and adherence to the right path set by Allah and His Messenger. Establish strength and solace for the believer when disaster strikes.
Ibn Kathir has shown the natural signs embedded in the surah by emphasizing a call upon the believers to reflect on creation and consider the re-establishing of their bond with Allah. Al-Tabari discussed the role of Allah's Messenger in regard to being an indication of adhering to the guidance of Allah while indicating ingratitude and disbelief.
The recitation of the Quranic verses by authentic reciters (Qari) is a good source of learning the correct pronunciation of Quranic words, including Surah An-Nahl. Correct recitation of the Quran, with Tajweed, is highly important, as a minor error in pronouncing a word may entirely change its meaning. At times, the correct pronunciation can be somewhat difficult for a non-Arabic speaker. Hence, listening to the recitation by an authentic Qari is very helpful for learning how to read the Quran correctly. Above that, sometimes, you may just like to listen to the Quran instead of reading it yourself.
To facilitate you, we at MuslimandQuran have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the renowned reciters (Qaris). You can select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah An-Nahl.
The MuslimandQuran mobile application is available for both Android and iOS and can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store, respectively. You can download the application by clicking the links given here:
While reading the Quran directly on the website and mobile application of MuslimandQuran is quite easy, we also provide the facility of reading it offline. You can download any part of the Quran, including Surah An-Nahl, in PDF for reading it later, at your convenience.
Surah An-Nahl can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
An-Nahl translates to the “Honey Bee”. In the context of Surah An-Nahl, the honey-bee is mentioned as one of the signs of Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ bounties and blessings.
Surah An-Nahl has 128 verses.
Surah An-Nahl can be recited anytime during the day or night. No specific time is associated with its recitation.
There is no specific Hadith about Surah An-Nahl.
Although no specific rewards are associated with reading Surah An-Nahl on a daily basis, recitation of any part of the verses of the Quran carries huge rewards and benefits. Hence, anyone who reads this Surah daily would certainly get rewards on the Day of Judgment as well as in their worldly life.