An-Nahl (ٱلنَّحْل)

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.

The Theme of Surah An-Nahl (النَّحْل): Tawhid, Nature and Allah's Blessings

The important subjects and themes of this surah focus fundamentally on the idea of Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism) with Shirk (Association or Polytheism). This is so done with very convincing proofs of Tauhid and refutation of shirk based on plain signs in the universe and man's own self. Surah An-Nahl (النَّحْل) becomes a listing of Allah's blessings and calling for returning submission to Him. It brings into light several aspects of the nature of the earth, such as livestock, crops, and the honeybee, citing them as signs of Allah's generosity and care for his creation. For example, verses 16:5 - 8 contain a discussion about the merits derived from livestock in the sphere of transport, food, and clothing, stressing recognition and appreciation for these blessings. The ayah reminding the listener/reader of the blessing of the honeybee fascinates its 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, which is an extract of healing for 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 in their central role concerning the earth in fathoming the existence and might of Allah.

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 how the faith in Allah needs to 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 is the typical behavior the believers need to acquire to be firm in their faith against 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.

The Virtues & Benefits of Surah An-Nahl 

Surah An-Nahl distinguishes enlightening lessons with instructive words, just like other surahs of the Quran. Its central themes, one of them being the descriptions of signs in nature, give essential counsel to the spiritual route of a Muslim. If one recites this surah frequently but with deliberate and mindful contemplation, then it will go deep inside the person and readily come out to apply 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.