Read Surah Al-An‘am (The Cattle), Chapter 6 of the Holy Quran, with full text, introduction, and commentary. Discover its lessons on monotheism, guidance, and moral responsibility.”
Surah 6: Al-An‘am (The Cattle)
Introduction
Surah Al-An’am, meaning “The Cattle”, is the 6th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah and contains 165 verses. This Surah is among the earliest revelations during the later Makkan period, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was calling people to Islam amid growing opposition. The Surah’s title refers to certain misguided superstitions of the pre-Islamic Arabs concerning cattle and livestock, which the Surah seeks to correct in the light of divine guidance.
The central theme of Surah Al-An’am is pure monotheism (Tawheed). It powerfully rejects all forms of polytheism, superstition, and man-made laws in religious matters. The Surah reminds people that only Allah has the power to create, to guide, to give life, and to bring death. It teaches that true guidance comes only from Allah, through His messengers and revealed books, not through inherited beliefs or social customs.
Throughout the Surah, arguments for the Oneness of Allah, the truth of prophethood, and the certainty of the Hereafter are presented through striking reflections on nature, history, and logic. It also addresses the false excuses made by disbelievers, exposes the tactics of those who resist truth, and reassures the Prophet that he is not alone—messengers before him were also rejected, yet ultimately vindicated.
Surah Al-An’am also strongly emphasizes accountability: every soul is responsible for its own deeds. None will carry another’s burden. The Surah ends by calling people to live sincerely for Allah, devoting their prayers, sacrifice, life, and death to Him alone.
In tone and content, the Surah is both majestic and persuasive, aiming not only to warn but to awaken the hearts of those willing to reflect. It invites people to turn away from falsehood and submit to the truth before it is too late.
Surah 6: Al-An‘am – The Cattle: Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. All praise is due to Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who disbelieve make others equal to their Lord.
2. He is the One who created you from clay, then fixed a time for your life—and another known only to Him—yet you still doubt.
3. He is Allah in the heavens and on the earth. He knows your secrets and your public speech, and He knows what you earn.
4. No sign ever comes to them from their Lord except that they turn away from it.
5. They have denied the truth when it came to them. But soon they will learn the reality of what they used to mock.
6. Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, whom We had established on earth far more firmly than We established you? We sent down rain from the sky for them in abundance and made rivers flow beneath them. Then We destroyed them for their sins and raised up other people after them.
7. Even if We had sent down to you a written message on paper, and they touched it with their hands, still the disbelievers would say, “This is nothing but obvious magic.”
8. And they say, “Why has no angel been sent down to him?” Had We sent an angel, the matter would have been settled then and there, and they would be given no more time.
9. If We had sent an angel, We would have made him appear as a man, and We would have confused them just as they are now confused.
10. Messengers before you were also mocked. But those who mocked them were surrounded by the very thing they used to ridicule.
11. Say, “Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected the truth.”
12. Ask: “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?” Say, “To Allah.” He has made it His mercy to bind Himself to—He will surely gather you all on the Day of Resurrection, of which there is no doubt. But those who ruin themselves do not believe.
13. To Him belongs whatever dwells in the night and the day. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
14. Say, “Should I take as a protector anyone other than Allah—the Creator of the heavens and the earth—who feeds but is not fed?” Say, “I have been commanded to be the first to submit myself, and not to be among those who associate others with Him.”
15. Say, “I truly fear—if I disobey my Lord—the punishment of a mighty Day.”
16. Whoever is spared from it that Day—He will indeed have received Allah’s mercy. And that is the clear success.
17. If Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but Him; and if He touches you with good, He is Most Capable of everything.
18. He is Supreme over His servants. He is the Wise, the All-Aware.
19. Ask, “What thing is greatest in testimony?” Say, “Allah is Witness between me and you. And this Quran has been revealed to me so that I may warn you with it—and everyone it reaches. Do you truly testify that there are other gods with Allah?” Say, “I do not testify to that.” Say, “He is only One God, and I disown whatever you associate with Him.”
20. Those to whom We gave the Scripture know this (truth about Muhammad and the Quran) as they know their own children. Yet those who ruin their souls do not believe.
21. Who does greater wrong than one who fabricates lies about Allah or denies His signs? Surely the wrongdoers will never succeed.
22. On the Day We gather them all together, We will ask those who associated others with Allah, “Where are your ‘partners’—those whom you claimed?”
23. Then they will have no excuse except to say, “By Allah, our Lord, we were never polytheists!”
24. See how they lie against themselves, and what they used to fabricate has deserted them.
25. Some of them listen to you, but We have placed veils over their hearts so they do not understand it, and deafness in their ears. Even if they see every sign, they will not believe. To the point that when they come to you, they argue with you, saying, “This is nothing but ancient tales.”
26. They keep others from it (the Quran), and they themselves keep away from it. But they are only destroying their own souls, though they do not realize it.
27. If only you could see when they are made to stand before the Fire, saying, “Oh, if only we could be sent back, we would never deny the signs of our Lord, and we would be among the believers!”
28. But what they used to hide before will become clear to them. And even if they were sent back, they would return to what they were forbidden to do. They are truly liars.
29. They say, “There is nothing but our life in this world—we die and we live, and nothing destroys us except time.” But they have no knowledge of this; they only guess.
30. If you could only see when they will be made to stand before their Lord, He will say, “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes, by our Lord!” He will say, “Then taste the punishment for what you used to deny.”
31. Lost indeed are those who deny their meeting with Allah—until the Hour comes upon them suddenly, and they say, “Alas for us, for what we neglected concerning it!” And they will bear their burdens on their backs. How terrible is what they carry!
32. The life of this world is nothing but play and amusement, but the home of the Hereafter is far better for those who are mindful of Allah. Will you not then understand?
33. We know well that what they say grieves you. But it is not you they deny—it is the signs of Allah that the wrongdoers reject.
34. Surely, messengers before you were also denied, but they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them. And no one can alter the words of Allah. And certainly, you have received some news of the previous messengers.
35. If their turning away is hard on you, then—if you are able—seek a tunnel into the earth or a ladder into the sky to bring them a sign. If Allah had willed, He would have brought them all together in guidance. So, do not be among the ignorant.
36. Only those who listen will respond. As for the dead, Allah will raise them up, then to Him they will return.
37. They say, “Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “Allah is certainly capable of sending down a sign,” but most of them do not understand.
38. There is no creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its wings, except that they are communities like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book. Then to their Lord, they will all be gathered.
39. Those who reject Our signs are deaf and dumb in the midst of darkness. Whomever Allah wills, He leaves astray; and whomever He wills, He puts on a straight path.
40. Say, “Tell me: if the punishment of Allah comes to you, or the Hour comes upon you, will you call on anyone other than Allah—if you are truthful?”
41. No! It is Him alone you will call, and if He wills, He will remove what you called on Him for. Then you will forget whatever you used to associate with Him.
42. We have indeed sent messengers to nations before you, and We afflicted them with hardship and suffering so that they might humble themselves.
43. Why then, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made their deeds seem fair to them.
44. Then, when they forgot all that they had been reminded of, We opened for them the gates of everything, until—when they rejoiced in what they were given—We seized them suddenly, and they were left in despair.
45. So the very root of those who wronged was cut off. And all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
46. Say, “Have you considered: if Allah were to take away your hearing and your sight, and seal your hearts, who is the god—other than Allah—who could restore them to you?” See how We explain the signs in various ways—yet they still turn away.
47. Say, “Have you considered: if the punishment of Allah were to come to you suddenly or openly, would anyone be destroyed except the wrongdoing people?”
48. We do not send the messengers except as bearers of good news and as warners. So, whoever believes and reforms—there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.
49. But those who deny Our signs—punishment will touch them for their defiance.
50. Say, “I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.” Say, “Are the blind and the seeing alike? Will you not then reflect?”
51. Warn with this (Qur’an) those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord—they will have no protector or intercessor besides Him—so that they may become mindful.
52. Do not drive away those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure. You are not accountable for them in the least, nor are they accountable for you. So, if you were to turn them away, you would be among the wrongdoers.
53. And in this way, We test some of them through others so that they may say, “Are these the ones whom Allah has favored among us?” Does Allah not know best who are grateful?
54. When those who believe in Our revelations come to you, say, “Peace be upon you. Your Lord has written mercy upon Himself: that whoever does evil out of ignorance, then repents afterward and makes amends—surely, He is Forgiving, Merciful.”
55. In this way, We clearly explain the verses so that the path of the wicked may be made clear.
56. Say, “I have been forbidden to worship those you call upon besides Allah.” Say, “I will not follow your desires. If I did, I would certainly go astray and would not be among the guided.”
57. Say, “I stand on clear proof from my Lord, yet you deny it. I do not have what you seek to hasten (i.e., the punishment). Judgment belongs only to Allah. He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges.”
58. Say, “If what you seek to hasten were in my power, the matter would have been settled between me and you. But Allah knows best the wrongdoers.”
59. With Him are the keys of the unseen—none knows them except Him. He knows what is on land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. There is no grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but is recorded in a clear Book.
60. He is the One who takes your souls by night and knows what you have done by day. Then He raises you again in the day, so that a fixed term may be completed. Then to Him you will return, and He will inform you of what you used to do.
61. He is the Absolute Authority over His servants. He sends guardians over you until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers (the angels) take his soul, and they never fail in their duty.
62. Then they are returned to Allah, their True Master. Surely, all judgment belongs to Him, and He is the swiftest in taking account.
63. Say, “Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and sea, when you call upon Him in humility and in secret, saying: ‘If You save us from this, we will surely be among the grateful’?”
64. Say, “It is Allah who rescues you from it and from every distress—yet you still associate others with Him.”
65. Say, “He has power to send punishment upon you from above or from beneath your feet, or to confuse you into divided groups and make you taste the violence of one another.” See how We explain the signs so they may understand.
66. But your people have denied the truth, though it is the truth. Say, “I am not a keeper over you.”
67. For every message there is an appointed time, and soon you will come to know.
68. When you see those who mock Our revelations, turn away from them until they engage in a different topic. And if Satan causes you to forget, then do not remain seated with the wrongdoing people after you remember.
69. Those who fear Allah are not responsible for them in any way, except to remind them, so that perhaps they may become mindful.
70. And leave alone those who take their religion as mere play and amusement and are deceived by the worldly life. But remind them with this (Qur’an), so that no soul may be ruined for what it has done. It will have no protector or intercessor besides Allah. Even if it offers every ransom, it will not be accepted. They are those who are doomed by their own deeds. For them is a drink of boiling water and a painful punishment because of what they used to deny.
71. Say, “Shall we call upon others besides Allah—things that can neither benefit us nor harm us—and turn back after Allah has guided us? Like someone whom the devils have lured into confusion on the earth, though he has companions calling him to guidance, saying: ‘Come to us.’” Say, “Surely, Allah’s guidance is the only true guidance. And we are commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds—
72. to establish prayer and be mindful of Him.” It is to Him you will all be gathered.
73. He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in truth. And the Day He says, “Be,” it will be. His Word is the truth. To Him belongs the kingdom on the Day the trumpet is blown. He is the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Wise, the All-Aware.
74. And ˹remember˺ when Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols as gods? I truly see you and your people in clear error.”
75. In this way We showed Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth so that he might be one of those with sure faith.
76. Then, when the night enveloped him, he saw a star and said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said, “I do not like those that set.”
77. Then, when he saw the moon rising, he said, “This is my Lord.” But when it disappeared, he said, “If my Lord does not guide me, I will surely be among the misguided people.”
78. Then, when he saw the sun rising, he said, “This is my Lord—this is greater!” But when it also set, he said, “O my people! I am free from all that you associate with Allah.
79. I have turned my face with sincerity toward the One who originated the heavens and the earth—and I am not of those who associate others with Him.”
80. And his people argued with him. He said, “Do you argue with me about Allah while He has guided me? I do not fear what you associate with Him—unless my Lord wills something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge. Will you not then take heed?”
81. “How should I fear those you associate with Allah, while you do not fear associating others with Him—without any authority revealed to you?” So, which of the two parties has more right to security—if you truly know?
82. Those who believe and do not mix their faith with injustice—it is they who will have security, and they are rightly guided.
83. That was the argument We gave to Abraham against his people. We raise in rank whom We will. Truly, your Lord is Wise, All-Knowing.
84. And We gave to him Isaac (Ishaq) and Jacob (Ya‘qub)—each of them We guided. And before that, We guided Noah. And from his descendants, We guided David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus We reward the doers of good.
85. And Zachariah (Zakaria), John (Yahya), Jesus (Isa), and Elias (Ilias)—they were all among the righteous.
86. And Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot. And each of them We favored above all people.
87. And from their ancestors, their descendants, and their brothers—We chose them and guided them to a straight path.
88. This is the guidance of Allah—He guides with it whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Him, all they had done would have been in vain.
89. Those are the ones to whom We gave the Book, wisdom, and prophethood. But if these (people of Makkah) disbelieve in it, then We have entrusted it to a people who do not reject it.
90. They are the ones whom Allah has guided. So follow their guidance. Say, “I ask of you no reward for it. It is nothing but a reminder to the worlds.”
91. They did not value Allah as He deserves to be valued when they said, “Allah has not revealed anything to a human being.” Say, “Who then revealed the Book that Moses brought as a light and guidance for people—which you have made into scattered pages, showing some of it but hiding much? And you were taught what neither you nor your forefathers knew.” Say, “It is Allah!” Then leave them to play in their vain talk.
92. And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed, confirming what came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Cities (Makkah) and those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are mindful of their prayers.
93. Who does greater wrong than one who fabricates lies against Allah or claims, “I have received a revelation,” while nothing was revealed to him? Or one who says, “I will reveal something like what Allah has revealed”? If only you could see the wrongdoers in the throes of death as the angels stretch out their hands, saying, “Give up your souls! Today you will be rewarded with the torment of humiliation for saying untruth about Allah and for being arrogant toward His signs.”
94. “Now you have come to Us alone, just as We created you the first time, leaving behind all that We gave you. We do not see with you your intercessors—those you claimed were partners with Allah. The ties between you are now cut, and what you used to claim has vanished from you.”
95. Indeed, Allah is the One who splits the grain and the date seed. He brings the living out of the dead and the dead out of the living. That is Allah—how then are you deluded?
96. He causes the dawn to break, and He has made the night for rest, and the sun and the moon for calculation. That is the design of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
97. And He is the One who made for you the stars so you may be guided by them in the darkness of land and sea. We have made the signs clear for people who know.
98. And He is the One who produced you from a single soul, then gave you a place to dwell and a place to rest (after death). We have made the signs clear for people who understand.
99. And He is the One who sends down rain from the sky. Then We produce with it vegetation of all kinds; from that We produce green crops, from which We produce grain packed in rows. And from the date-palm come clusters of hanging fruit, and gardens of grapes, olives, and pomegranates—similar in shape yet different in taste. Look at their fruit when they bear fruit and ripen. Surely in these are signs for a people who believe.
100. Yet they set up the jinn as partners with Allah, even though He created them. And they falsely attribute to Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Glorified and exalted is He far above what they claim.
101. He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a child when He has no consort? He created everything and has full knowledge of all things.
102. That is Allah—your Lord. There is no god but Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him alone. And He is the Guardian over all things.
103. Vision cannot grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is the Most Subtle, the All-Aware.
104. Now clear insights have come to you from your Lord. So whoever chooses to see, it is for their own good. And whoever chooses to be blind, it is to their own loss. And I am not your keeper.
105. And in this way We explain the signs in various forms so that they may say, “You have studied,” and so that We may make it clear for people who know.
106. Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord. There is no god but Him. And turn away from those who associate others with Him.
107. If Allah had willed, they would not have associated others with Him. But We have not made you a guardian over them, nor are you their keeper.
108. Do not insult those they invoke besides Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. In this way, We have made the deeds of every people seem fair to them. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them of what they used to do.
109. They swear by Allah their strongest oaths that if a sign came to them, they would surely believe in it. Say, “Signs are only with Allah.” And what will make you realize that even if a sign came, they still would not believe?
110. We will turn their hearts and their eyes away from the truth—just as they refused to believe in it the first time—and We will leave them to wander blindly in their rebellion.
111. Even if We had sent down angels to them, and the dead had spoken to them, and We gathered everything before them face to face—they still would not believe unless Allah willed. But most of them behave in ignorance.
112. In the same way, We have made for every prophet enemies—devils among humans and jinn—who inspire one another with decorated speech to deceive. If your Lord had willed, they would not have done it. So leave them and what they fabricate.
113. Let the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter be inclined to such speech, let them be pleased with it, and let them commit what they are going to commit.
114. [Say,] “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah, while He is the One who has revealed the Book to you clearly explained?” Those to whom We gave the Scripture know that it has been revealed from your Lord in truth. So do not be among the doubters.
115. The Word of your Lord is perfect in truth and justice. No one can change His words. And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
116. If you were to obey most of those on earth, they would lead you away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but assumptions, and they do nothing but guess.
117. Surely your Lord knows best who strays from His path, and He knows best those who are guided.
118. So eat of that over which Allah’s name has been mentioned, if you truly believe in His revelations.
119. Why should you not eat of that over which Allah’s name has been mentioned, when He has clearly explained to you what is forbidden to you—except when you are compelled? Many people lead others astray with their desires without knowledge. Surely, your Lord knows best the transgressors.
120. Leave all sin—open and secret. Surely, those who commit sins will be punished for what they used to earn.
121. Do not eat of that over which Allah’s name has not been mentioned, for indeed it is sinful. And surely the devils whisper to their friends to argue with you. If you obey them, you would indeed be associating partners with Allah.
122. Can someone who was dead and We gave him life and a light by which he walks among people be like one who is in total darkness, never coming out of it? That is how the deeds of the disbelievers have been made attractive to them.
123. And in every society, We have placed the most wicked ones to plot therein. But they plot only against themselves, though they are unaware.
124. When a sign comes to them, they say, “We will not believe until we are given the same as what was given to Allah’s messengers.” Allah knows best where to place His message. Humiliation from Allah and severe punishment will strike the wicked for their plotting.
125. Whoever Allah wills to guide—He opens their heart to Islam. And whoever He wills to mislead—He makes their chest tight and constricted, as though they were climbing up into the sky. This is how Allah places filth upon those who do not believe.
126. And this is the straight path of your Lord. We have certainly made the signs clear for people who remember.
127. For them is the home of peace with their Lord, and He is their Protector because of what they used to do.
128. On the Judgment Day He gathers them all together, He will say, “O assembly of jinn! You have misled many humans.” And their human companions will say, “Our Lord! We benefited from one another, but now we have reached the end of our term which You appointed for us.” He will say, “The Fire is your home—remaining in it forever—unless Allah wills otherwise.” Surely your Lord is Wise, All-Knowing.
129. And in this way, We make the wrongdoers turn against one another for what they used to earn.
130. “O assembly of jinn and humans! Did not messengers come to you from among yourselves, reciting My verses to you and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say, “We testify against ourselves.” The life of this world deceived them, and they will testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.
131. That is because your Lord would never destroy towns unjustly while their people were unaware.
132. Everyone will be ranked according to what they have done. And your Lord is not unaware of what they do.
133. Your Lord is the Self-Sufficient, the Possessor of Mercy. If He wills, He can take you away and replace you with whomever He pleases—just as He raised you from the descendants of other people.
134. Indeed, what you are promised will certainly come to pass, and you cannot escape it.
135. Say, “O my people! Do whatever is in your power; and I too will act. Then you will soon know who will have the best outcome in the end. Surely, the wrongdoers will not succeed.”
136. They set aside for Allah a portion of what He Himself created—crops and livestock—saying, “This is for Allah,” so they claim, “and this is for our idols.” But what is meant for their idols never reaches Allah, while what is meant for Allah ends up going to their idols. How evil is their judgment!
137. In the same way, their idol partners made the killing of their children seem pleasing to many of the polytheists, in order to lead them to ruin and to confuse their faith. If Allah had willed, they would not have done it. So leave them and what they invent.
138. And they say, “These cattle and crops are forbidden. No one may eat them except those we permit”—so they claim. And there are some animals they forbid from carrying loads, and some over which they do not pronounce Allah’s name—fabricating lies against Him. Soon He will repay them for their lies.
139. And they say, “What is in the wombs of these animals is reserved for our men and forbidden to our women. But if it is stillborn, then they all share in it.” He will soon punish them for their false claims. He is truly Wise, All-Knowing.
140. Lost indeed are those who kill their children foolishly and without knowledge, and who forbid what Allah has provided for them—falsifying things against Allah. They have truly gone astray and are not rightly guided.
141. He is the One who produces gardens—both cultivated and wild—and date palms, crops of different flavours, olives and pomegranates—similar in appearance but different in taste. Eat of their fruit when they bear fruit, and give what is due on the day of harvest, and do not be wasteful. Surely, He does not love the wasteful.
142. And among the cattle are some for burden and some for meat. Eat of what Allah has provided for you, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. He is truly your open enemy.
143. There are eight pairs: of sheep, two; and of goats, two. Say, “Has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or what the wombs of the two females contain? Inform me with knowledge, if you are truthful.”
144. And of camels, two; and of cattle, two. Say, “Has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or what the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allah gave you this command?” Then who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah to mislead people without knowledge? Surely, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
145. Say, “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wants to eat—except carrion, or spilled blood, or the flesh of swine—for these are impure—or a sinful offering dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience or transgression—then your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
146. To those who followed Judaism, We forbade every animal with claws, and of cattle and sheep We forbade them the fat—except what is on their backs or in their intestines or mixed with bone. This was their punishment for their rebellion, and We are certainly truthful.
147. If they deny you, say, “Your Lord is the Possessor of vast mercy, but His punishment cannot be turned away from the guilty people.”
148. The polytheists will say, “If Allah had willed, neither we nor our forefathers would have associated anything with Him, nor would we have forbidden anything.” Likewise, those before them denied—until they tasted Our punishment. Say, “Do you have any knowledge you can present to us? You follow nothing but assumptions, and you do nothing but guess.”
149. Say, “Then the final argument rests with Allah alone. If He had willed, He would have guided all of you.”
150. Say, “Bring forward your witnesses who can testify that Allah has forbidden this.” If they do testify, do not bear witness with them. And do not follow the desires of those who deny Our signs, who do not believe in the Hereafter, and who set up equals to their Lord.
151. Say, “Come! I will recite to you what your Lord has truly forbidden for you: Do not associate anything with Him. Be kind to your parents. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty—We provide for you and for them. Do not go near immoralities—whether openly or secretly. Do not kill any soul which Allah has forbidden—except in the course of justice. This He has commanded you so that you may understand.
152. Do not go near the wealth of the orphan—except in the best manner—until they reach maturity. Give full measure and weight with justice. We do not burden any soul beyond what it can bear. When you speak, be just—even if it is about a close relative. And fulfill your covenant with Allah. This He has commanded you so that you may be mindful.
153. And surely this is My straight path, so follow it. Do not follow other paths, or they will lead you away from His path. This He has commanded you so that you may become righteous.
154. Then We gave Moses the Scripture—perfected for the one who does good, with clear explanations for everything, and as a guide and a mercy—so that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.
155. And this (Qur’an) is a blessed Book which We have revealed, so follow it and be mindful of Allah, so that you may receive mercy.
156. Lest you say, “The Book was only revealed to two groups before us, and we were unaware of what they studied.”
157. Or lest you say, “If only the Book had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they.” Now there has come to you a clear proof from your Lord, and a guide and a mercy. Who then does more wrong than one who rejects the signs of Allah and turns away from them? We will repay those who turn away with a painful punishment because of their turning away.
158. Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or your Lord Himself, or some of His signs? On the day when some of your Lord’s signs come, belief will be of no benefit to any soul that did not believe before, or did no good through its belief. Say, “Wait! We too are waiting.”
159. As for those who divided their religion and became sects—you have nothing to do with them. Their affair is with Allah alone, and He will inform them of what they used to do.
160. Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times the reward, and whoever comes with an evil deed will only be repaid with its equivalent—and none will be wronged.
161. Say, “Surely, my Lord has guided me to a straight path—a perfect way of life, the faith of Abraham, who turned away from all falsehood. He was not among those who associated others with Allah.”
162. Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are all for Allah—Lord of all the worlds.
163. He has no partner. This is what I have been commanded, and I am the first of those who submit.”
164. Say, “Should I seek a Lord other than Allah, while He is the Lord of everything?” Every soul earns only for itself, and no bearer of burden will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning the things about which you used to differ.
165. He is the One who made you successors on the earth and raised some of you above others in rank to test you through what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is swift in punishment, but He is also truly Forgiving, Merciful. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-An’am is a deeply profound chapter of the Holy Qur’an that speaks directly to the human soul, inviting it to recognize the One true God through reflection, reason, and revelation. Its verses carry a powerful moral and spiritual force, emphasizing that belief in Allah must be rooted in truth and sincerity, not in blind tradition, superstition, or inherited customs.
What makes this Surah especially striking is its rational appeal to the mind and heart. Rather than presenting belief as something imposed, it repeatedly calls the reader to think, observe, and ponder the signs in nature, in life, and in history. Through beautiful imagery of the heavens, the earth, and the cycle of life and death, it reminds us of the evidence of divine design and mercy all around us.
Another significant theme is individual responsibility. Each soul is accountable for its own actions. There are no shortcuts, no scapegoats, and no inherited salvation. The Surah’s message is timeless: no one can claim righteousness while ignoring truth or following falsehood blindly.
Surah Al-An’am also demonstrates Allah’s mercy, justice, and wisdom. It warns those who stubbornly deny the truth, yet always leaves the door open for repentance. The Surah comforts the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all sincere believers by showing that rejection is part of the prophetic path, and that truth is not weakened by people’s refusal to accept it.
In short, Surah Al-An’am is not only a powerful call to pure monotheism, but also a guide for living a life of truth, justice, and awareness of the Divine. Its wisdom remains ever-relevant in a world still grappling with moral confusion, spiritual emptiness, and the search for meaning. 0 0 0
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Surah 6 Al-An‘am (The Cattle): Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-An’am
Q1. What is Surah Al-An‘am about?
Surah Al-An‘am is the sixth chapter of the Quran, emphasizing the oneness of Allah, rejection of idolatry, and the importance of following divine guidance.
Q2. Why is it called Surah Al-An‘am (The Cattle)?
It is called Surah Al-An‘am because it discusses cattle and livestock, highlighting their role as blessings from Allah and correcting false practices associated with them in pre-Islamic traditions.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah Al-An‘am?
Surah Al-An‘am contains 165 verses, making it one of the longer chapters of the Quran.
Q4. When was Surah Al-An‘am revealed?
Surah Al-An‘am was revealed in Makkah, and it is notable for being revealed in one continuous session, addressing the Prophet’s mission with powerful themes of faith.
Q5. What is the main theme of Surah Al-An‘am?
The main theme of Surah Al-An‘am is the affirmation of monotheism, the rejection of shirk (polytheism), and the call to worship Allah alone.
Q6. What lessons does Surah Al-An‘am teach?
Surah Al-An‘am teaches believers to trust Allah, respect His creation, avoid superstition, and remain steadfast in faith despite opposition.
Q7. How does Surah Al-An‘am connect with previous scriptures?
Surah Al-An‘am mentions prophets like Abraham, Moses, and others, showing continuity between Islam and earlier revelations.
Q8. Why is Surah Al-An‘am important for Muslims today?
Surah Al-An‘am is important because it strengthens the believer’s understanding of pure faith in Allah, guiding them away from false practices and toward moral responsibility. 0 0 0
Surah Al-An‘am: The Light of Pure Faith
Surah Al-An‘am begins with a radiant sign,
The heavens and earth in perfect design.
Surah Al-An‘am shows creation’s proof,
That Allah alone is the ultimate truth.
The stars in the sky, the sun and the moon,
Surah Al-An‘am reminds they vanish soon.
No idol can share in Allah’s command,
Surah Al-An‘am guides with a gentle hand.
Prophets are honored in Surah Al-An‘am,
Abraham prayed with a heart so calm.
Moses, Noah, and others too,
Surah Al-An‘am speaks of guidance true.
Livestock are blessings in Surah Al-An‘am,
Cattle and flocks are gifts that calm.
They feed the hungry, they clothe the weak,
Surah Al-An‘am shows Allah’s streak.
The foolish cling to customs vain,
But Surah Al-An‘am breaks every chain.
Superstitions fall, false ways decline,
Surah Al-An‘am calls to the straight line.
Justice is taught in Surah Al-An‘am,
Mercy flows steady, soothing and calm.
Believers are urged to stand and obey,
Surah Al-An‘am lights the righteous way.
The oneness of God, Surah Al-An‘am proclaims,
No partner, no rival, no divided names.
In every verse, the truth is shown,
Surah Al-An‘am leaves the false alone.
Patience is praised in Surah Al-An‘am,
Faith is uplifted, steady and calm.
The Prophet is told: deliver with care,
Surah Al-An‘am shows Allah is near.
O seeker of peace, read Surah Al-An‘am,
Its wisdom is timeless, soothing and calm.
From cattle to cosmos, from earth to sky,
Surah Al-An‘am lifts the spirit high.
Forever it shines, Surah Al-An‘am’s call,
A chapter of truth for mankind all.
Surah Al-An‘am guides the heart to stand,
With faith in Allah, firm and grand. 0 0 0
