Explore Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) with full text and insightful commentary. Discover its themes of divine blessings, guidance, gratitude, and the signs of Allah in creation.
Surah 16: An-Nahl (The Bee)
Introduction
Surah An-Nahl is the 16th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah and contains 128 verses. The Surah is named ‘An-Nahl’, meaning ‘The Bee’, which is mentioned in verse 68. This name highlights one of Allah’s many signs in creation—a small creature that plays a big role in human life and shows the wisdom of the Creator.
This Surah focuses on the countless blessings of Allah that are spread throughout the earth and sky. It invites people to reflect on the natural world—like the rain, animals, plants, stars, mountains, oceans, and even the bees—as signs of Allah’s power, knowledge, and mercy.
It also teaches the following key messages:
- The Oneness of Allah: The Surah strongly rejects polytheism (shirk) and confirms that only Allah deserves worship.
- Prophethood: It supports the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and mentions earlier prophets like Ibrahim (Abraham).
- The Qur’an: It highlights the Qur’an as a guide, mercy, and explanation of truth.
- Moral values: The famous verse (16:90) commands justice, kindness, and charity, and forbids immorality and wrongdoing.
- Patience and Trust: Believers are encouraged to be patient in times of hardship and to trust Allah’s plan.
- The Hereafter: The Surah reminds us of the Day of Judgment, where everyone will be accountable for their deeds.
Surah An-Nahl is also known as “Surah of Blessings” (Surah an-Ni‘am) because it lists many favors that Allah has given to human beings, both physical and spiritual. It teaches us to be grateful, humble, and obedient to the One who created and sustains us. 0 0 0
Surah 16: An-Nahl (The Bee): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. The command of Allah is coming—so do not try to rush it. He is far above anything they associate with Him.
2. He sends down the angels with revelation by His command to whoever He wills among His servants, saying, “Warn people that there is no god but Me, so be mindful of Me.”
3. He created the heavens and the earth with a true purpose. He is far above whatever they associate with Him.
4. He created man from a drop of fluid, yet look how he becomes a clear opponent!
5. And He created livestock for you. In them is warmth and many benefits, and from them you eat.
6. And you find beauty in them when you bring them home in the evening and when you take them out to graze in the morning.
7. And they carry your loads to lands you could not reach without great hardship to yourselves. Truly, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.
8. And He created horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and for beauty. And He creates things you do not even know.
9. It is for Allah to show the straight path, though some paths lead astray. Had He willed, He could have guided all of you.
10. He is the One who sends down rain from the sky for you. From it comes your drink, and from it grow plants you use for grazing.
11. He makes crops grow for you with it—olives, palm trees, grapevines, and all kinds of fruits. Surely, in this is a sign for those who think.
12. He has made the night and the day, the sun and the moon, work for you. And the stars are made to serve you by His command. Surely, in this are signs for those who understand.
13. And all that He created for you on the earth—of different colors and varieties—surely, in this is a sign for people who reflect.
14. He is the One who made the sea useful to you, so you may eat tender meat from it and take out ornaments you wear. And you see the ships cutting through it, so you may seek His bounty and be grateful.
15. And He placed firm mountains on the earth so it does not shake beneath you, and rivers and pathways so you may find your way.
16. And He set up landmarks. And by the stars, people find direction.
17. Is the One who creates like the one who cannot create anything? Will you not then remember?
18. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could never list them all. Surely, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
19. And Allah knows whatever you hide and whatever you reveal.
20. Those they call upon besides Allah cannot create anything—they are themselves created.
21. They are lifeless—not living. And they do not even know when they will be raised again.
22. Your God is One God. But those who do not believe in the Hereafter— their hearts deny, and they are proud.
23. Without doubt, Allah knows what they hide and what they reveal. He does not love the arrogant.
24. And when they are told, “What has your Lord revealed?” they say, “Stories of the past!”
25. They will bear their own burdens fully on the Day of Judgment, and some of the burdens of those they misled without knowledge. How terrible is the load they carry!
26. Those before them had also planned evil, but Allah struck at the foundation of their buildings, so the roof collapsed on them from above, and punishment came to them from where they didn’t expect.
27. Then, on the Day of Judgment, He will humiliate them and say, “Where are My partners that you used to argue about?” Those who were given knowledge will say, “Today, shame and misery fall upon the disbelievers.”
28. Those whose souls the angels take while they were doing wrong to themselves will try to surrender, saying, “We didn’t do anything wrong!” But yes, Allah knows what you were doing.
29. So enter the gates of Hell, where you will remain forever. What a terrible home for the arrogant!
30. But when the righteous are asked, “What has your Lord revealed?” they say, “Goodness.” For those who do good in this world, there is goodness, and the home of the Hereafter is even better. How wonderful is the home of those who are mindful!
31. Gardens of eternity which they will enter, with rivers flowing beneath them. In it they will have whatever they want. This is how Allah rewards the righteous.
32. Those whose souls the angels take in purity, saying, “Peace be upon you! Enter Paradise for what you used to do.”
33. Are they waiting for anything but for the angels to come to them, or for the command of your Lord to arrive? Those before them did the same. Allah did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves.
34. So the evil results of what they did struck them, and what they used to mock surrounded them.
35. The idolaters said, “If Allah had willed, we would not have worshipped anything besides Him—neither we nor our ancestors—nor would we have forbidden anything without His permission.” Those before them said the same. But is there any responsibility on the messengers except to clearly deliver the message?
36. Indeed, We sent a messenger to every nation, saying, “Worship Allah and avoid false gods.” Among them were those Allah guided, and others who were destined to stray. So travel through the land and see what became of those who denied.
37. Even though you are eager for their guidance, Allah does not guide those He leaves to stray. They will have no helpers.
38. And they swear by Allah with their strongest oaths that Allah will not raise the dead. But yes—He will certainly raise them! That is a true promise from Him—but most people do not know.
39. This is so that He may make clear to them what they differed about, and so the disbelievers may know they were wrong.
40. When We want something to happen, We simply say to it, “Be!”—and it is.
41. Those who were forced to leave their homes for the sake of Allah after being wronged—We will surely give them a good place in this world, and the reward of the Hereafter will be even greater, if only they knew.
42. They are the ones who remained patient and who put their trust in their Lord.
43. And We did not send before you except men to whom We gave revelation. So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.
44. We sent them with clear signs and scriptures. And We sent down to you the Reminder (the Qur’an) so that you may explain to the people what was revealed to them, and so they may think.
45. Do those who plan evil feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that punishment will not come to them from a direction they do not expect?
46. Or that He will not seize them while they go about their daily activities, and they will not be able to escape?
47. Or that He will not take them gradually with punishment? But your Lord is indeed Kind, Merciful.
48. Have they not seen how the shadows of everything Allah created move to the right and the left, prostrating to Allah, humbly?
49. To Allah prostrates everything in the heavens and everything on earth—living creatures and the angels, and they are never proud.
50. They fear their Lord above them and do whatever they are commanded.
51. Allah said: “Do not take two gods. He is only One God—so be in awe of Me alone.”
52. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and on the earth, and to Him alone is devotion always due. Will you then fear someone other than Allah?
53. Whatever blessing you have—it is from Allah. Then when harm touches you, it is to Him you cry for help.
54. But when He removes the harm from you, a group of you again associate others with their Lord.
55. So they are ungrateful for what We gave them. Enjoy yourselves for a while, but soon you will know.
56. They assign a share of what We provide them to those they do not know. By Allah, you will be questioned about what you used to invent.
57. And they assign daughters to Allah—glory be to Him!—and to themselves what they desire (sons).
58. When one of them is given the news of a baby girl, his face darkens with sadness and anger.
59. He hides himself from the people because of the bad news he’s been given. Should he keep her in disgrace or bury her in the dust? How evil is what they decide!
60. Those who do not believe in the Hereafter have the worst example, while Allah has the highest example. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
61. If Allah were to punish people immediately for their wrongdoing, not a single living being would remain on the earth. But He delays them for a set time. When their time comes, they cannot delay it or bring it forward, even for a moment.
62. They assign to Allah what they themselves dislike. Yet their tongues falsely claim that they will have the best reward. Without doubt, they will face the Fire, and they will be abandoned there.
63. By Allah, We certainly sent messengers to nations before you, but Satan made their actions seem good to them. So he is their ally today, and they will suffer a painful punishment.
64. We did not reveal this Book to you except so that you may explain to them the things they disagreed about, and to be a guidance and mercy for those who believe.
65. And Allah sends down rain from the sky and brings the dead earth back to life. Surely, in this is a sign for those who listen.
66. And there is a lesson for you in cattle: We give you to drink from what is inside their bellies—between waste and blood—a pure milk, easy to swallow for those who drink it.
67. And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you get drinks and wholesome food. Surely, in this is a sign for people who understand.
68. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: “Build your homes in the mountains, in trees, and in what people construct.”
69. “Then eat from every kind of fruit and follow the paths your Lord has made easy for you.” From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, in which there is healing for people. Surely, in this is a sign for people who reflect.
70. Allah created you, then causes you to die. And some of you are left to reach the weakest stage of life, so that you know nothing after having known much. Truly, Allah is All-Knowing, Most Powerful.
71. Allah has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who are more fortunate do not give their share to the ones under their authority, so they become equal. Will they then deny Allah’s blessings?
72. And Allah has made for you spouses from yourselves and given you children and grandchildren through them, and provided you with good things. Will they still believe in falsehood and deny Allah’s favor?
73. Yet they worship others besides Allah who do not provide anything for them from the skies or the earth, nor can they ever do so.
74. So do not make comparisons between Allah and others. Truly, Allah knows, but you do not know.
75. Allah gives an example: a slave owned by someone, having no power over anything, and a free man to whom We have given good provision, who spends from it openly and secretly—can they be equal? Praise be to Allah! But most people do not know.
76. And Allah gives another example: two men—one is mute, unable to do anything, a burden to his master—no matter where he is sent, he brings no benefit. Can he be equal to one who commands justice and is on a straight path?
77. To Allah belongs the knowledge of the unseen in the heavens and the earth. The coming of the Hour will be like the blink of an eye, or even quicker. Truly, Allah is capable of all things.
78. Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs not knowing anything, and He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts—so that you may give thanks.
79. Have they not seen the birds flying freely in the sky? None holds them up except Allah. Surely, in this are signs for people who believe.
80. And Allah has made your homes a place of rest for you. And He made for you tents from the hides of animals—light to carry when you travel and when you stop. And from their wool, fur, and hair, He provided furnishings and comforts for a while.
81. Allah has made for you shelter from what He created, and He gave you places of refuge in the mountains. He made you garments to protect you from heat, and armor to shield you in battle. This is how He completes His favor upon you, so that you may fully submit to Him.
82. But if they turn away, your duty is only to deliver the message clearly.
83. They recognize Allah’s blessings but still deny them. Most of them are ungrateful.
84. On the Day We raise a witness from every nation, those who disbelieved will not be allowed to excuse themselves or seek forgiveness.
85. When the wrongdoers see the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, nor will they be given any extra time.
86. When those who associated others with Allah see their so-called partners, they will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones we used to call upon besides You.” But their gods will respond, “You are lying!”
87. On that Day, they will submit completely to Allah, and whatever they used to invent will vanish from them.
88. As for those who disbelieve and block others from the path of Allah, We will add more punishment on top of their punishment because they spread corruption.
89. On the Day We raise a witness from every nation against them, We will bring you, O Prophet, as a witness over these people. And We sent down to you the Book as a clear explanation of everything, a guide, a mercy, and good news for those who submit.
90. Truly, Allah commands justice, kindness, and giving to relatives, and He forbids immorality, evil, and oppression. He advises you so that you may remember.
91. Fulfill your promises to Allah once you’ve made them, and do not break your oaths after confirming them. You made Allah your guarantee—surely, Allah knows what you do.
92. Do not be like the woman who unraveled her yarn after spinning it strongly—taking your oaths as a trick to deceive one another, just because one group is more powerful than another. Allah is only testing you through this. And on the Day of Judgment, He will make clear to you what you used to argue about.
93. If Allah had willed, He could have made you one single nation, but He lets whom He wills go astray and guides whom He wills. You will surely be questioned about what you used to do.
94. Do not take your oaths as a way to deceive others, or your feet will slip after being firmly planted. Then you will taste misery for turning others away from the path of Allah, and you will suffer a terrible punishment.
95. Do not sell the promise of Allah for a small price. What is with Allah is better for you, if only you knew.
96. Whatever you have will come to an end, but what is with Allah is everlasting. We will surely reward those who were patient with a reward better than what they used to do.
97. Whoever does good—whether man or woman—while having faith, We will give them a good life, and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.
98. So when you read the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast.
99. He has no power over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.
100. His power is only over those who befriend him and those who join others with Allah.
101. When We replace one verse with another—and Allah knows best what He reveals—they say, “You’re just making it up.” But most of them do not understand.
102. Say: “The Holy Spirit (Angel-Gabriel) has brought it down from your Lord with truth, to strengthen those who believe, and as guidance and good news for those who submit.”
103. We know that they say, “A human being is teaching him.” But the language of the one they refer to is foreign, while this Qur’an is in clear Arabic.
104. Those who do not believe in Allah’s signs—Allah will not guide them, and they will suffer a painful punishment.
105. Only those who do not believe in Allah’s signs lie and invent falsehood. These are the true liars.
106. Whoever disbelieves in Allah after believing—except for the one forced while his heart remains firm in faith—but those who open their hearts to disbelief, upon them is Allah’s anger, and they will have a terrible punishment.
107. That is because they preferred the life of this world over the Hereafter, and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.
108. They are the ones whose hearts, hearing, and sight Allah has sealed. It is they who are truly heedless.
109. Without doubt, they will be the losers in the Hereafter.
110. But surely, your Lord is most Forgiving and Merciful to those who migrated after being persecuted, then struggled and remained patient.
111. On the Day when every soul will come pleading for itself, and every soul will be paid in full for what it did—and they will not be wronged.
112. Allah gives an example: a town that was safe and at ease, its provisions coming to it in abundance from all directions—but it became ungrateful for Allah’s blessings. So Allah made it taste the bitterness of hunger and fear because of what they used to do.
113. A messenger came to them from among themselves, but they denied him, so punishment overtook them while they were wrongdoers.
114. So eat from what Allah has provided for you—lawful and good—and be thankful for the blessings of Allah, if it is truly Him you worship.
115. He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and anything offered to other than Allah. But if someone is forced without desiring it or going too far, then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
116. Do not say about what your tongues falsely describe, “This is lawful and that is unlawful,” inventing lies against Allah. Surely, those who invent lies against Allah will not succeed.
117. It is only a brief enjoyment, but they will have a painful punishment.
118. We also forbade to the Jews things We already told you before. We did not wrong them—they wronged themselves.
119. But surely, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful to those who do wrong out of ignorance, then repent and correct themselves afterward.
120. Abraham was a leader, devoted to Allah, a man of pure faith, and he was not among the idolaters.
121. He was thankful for Allah’s blessings. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path.
122. We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will surely be among the righteous.
123. Then We revealed to you: “Follow the way of Abraham, the upright in faith.” He was not one of the idolaters.
124. The Sabbath was only made for those who argued about it. And your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment about what they disagreed on.
125. Invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with them in the best manner. Surely, your Lord knows best who strays from His path, and He knows best who is guided.
126. If you punish, then punish with the same harm that was done to you. But if you are patient, that is better for those who are patient.
127. Be patient, for your patience is only for the sake of Allah. Do not grieve over them, and do not be distressed because of what they plot.
128. Truly, Allah is with those who are mindful of Him and who do good. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah An-Nahl is a powerful reminder of how deeply Allah’s mercy surrounds our lives, even in the smallest details. From the food we eat and the rain that falls to the animals we use and the knowledge we’re blessed with—everything is a sign of Allah’s care and power.
This Surah gently but firmly challenges human arrogance, especially the tendency to forget the Creator while enjoying His gifts. It urges people to open their eyes, hearts, and minds to the reality that everything in the universe points back to one true God.
The mention of the bee is not just poetic—it represents the beauty of divine order in creation. Just as bees serve a greater purpose through instinct and guidance from Allah, humans too are called to recognize their purpose: to worship Allah and live with justice, gratitude, and patience.
In a world full of distractions and injustice, Surah An-Nahl calls us to reflect deeply, live responsibly, and never forget the One who created us—and to whom we will return. 0 0 0
You May Like: Surah 14: Ibrahim (Abraham)
Surah An-Nahl: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions of Surah An-Nahl
Q. What is Surah An-Nahl about?
Surah An-Nahl, also known as The Bee, highlights Allah’s countless blessings, the guidance of revelation, the importance of gratitude, and the signs of creation.
Q. Why is Surah An-Nahl called The Bee?
It is called The Bee because it mentions bees and their production of honey, which serves as a sign of Allah’s wisdom and mercy for mankind.
Q. How many verses are there in Surah An-Nahl?
Surah An-Nahl consists of 128 verses, revealed in Makkah.
Q. What is the main message of Surah An-Nahl?
The main message of Surah An-Nahl is that Allah is the source of all blessings and guidance, and humans should worship Him with gratitude and avoid false gods.
Q. What lessons can we learn from Surah An-Nahl?
Surah An-Nahl teaches the importance of being thankful, reflecting on nature, following divine guidance, and living with patience and righteousness.
Q. Where does Surah An-Nahl fit in the Quran?
Surah An-Nahl is the 16th chapter of the Quran, revealed during the Makkan period, focusing on faith, gratitude, and recognition of divine signs. 0 0 0
An-Nahl: An Epic of Divine Signs
An-Nahl begins with the promise near,
A day of truth that all must hear.
The earth and sky by His command,
All life created by His hand.
The cattle He gave for drink and ride,
For clothing, warmth, and needs supplied.
The horses and mules, the camels tall,
Gifts of Allah, blessings for all.
He sends the rain, the seeds take root,
The gardens bloom with every fruit.
The olives, the dates, the grain, the vine,
All are signs of the Lord Divine.
The night for rest, the day for light,
The sun and moon in perfect sight.
The stars above to guide the way,
A mercy sent both night and day.
An-Nahl recalls the bee so small,
That builds its homes on trees and wall.
From flowers it gathers, by Allah’s decree,
And brings forth honey, a cure to be.
The ships that travel the mighty sea,
Are steered by winds He sets free.
The rivers carve their gentle streams,
All signs of mercy and endless dreams.
An-Nahl declares: worship the One,
The Maker of moon, the Bringer of sun.
Do not bow to idols of stone,
For Allah is Lord, the Truth alone.
He warns of nations that turned away,
Who mocked the truth, who went astray.
Destroyed they were, both weak and strong,
For falsehood lives not long.
Yet patience is taught to hearts that grieve,
For Allah is near to those who believe.
No burden too heavy, no sorrow too deep,
His mercy is vast, His promise He keeps.
The Quran descends, a light revealed,
A word of truth, a wisdom sealed.
To guide mankind in every age,
A shining lamp on life’s long stage.
An-Nahl reminds: be grateful, be just,
In Allah alone we place our trust.
Gratitude blooms in the heart sincere,
And with it comes His mercy near.
So listen, O soul, to An-Nahl’s song,
It calls to truth, away from wrong.
In every blessing, in every sign,
The voice of Allah is clear, divine.
And when the Day of Judgment appears,
The truth will shine, the end of fears.
The grateful will enter gardens fair,
While the proud will find no refuge there.
O reader of An-Nahl, take heed and see,
The signs of Allah surrounding thee.
In nature, in life, in sky and earth,
They point to Him, the Source of worth. 0 0 0
N.B. Please share your reflections, insights, or questions in the comments below. Your feedback not only inspires us but also helps others connect more deeply with the wisdom of the Quran.
