About Surah An-Nahl

The title Sūrat al-Niʿam (The Surah of Bounties) belongs to these 128 verses because they systematically catalog Allah’s blessings to argue for monotheism. Though largely Makkan, the text spans a geographic divide: early scholars like Qatādah reported that the entire second half, starting from verse 41, descended in Madinah.

The argument opens with proofs drawn from creation, sweeping from stars and seas down to the divinely inspired industry of the bee. It then pivots to historical warnings for those denying the Resurrection, alongside promises for believers migrating to escape oppression. Shifting to foundational ethics, the verses command justice, good conduct, and the fulfillment of covenants, while formally granting a concession to those forced to utter expressions of disbelief under extreme duress.

After rooting these principles in the original creed of Abraham, a firm directive requires all preaching to rely on wisdom. The text then speaks directly to the severe grief following the mutilation of the Prophet's (ﷺ) uncle Ḥamzah. A resolute promise of divine backing commands patience over sorrow, assuring the Messenger (ﷺ) that he is fully supported by Allah.

Surah 16 Juz 14 128 verses

An-Nahl

The Bee Meccan

016

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

16:1

God’s Judgement is coming, so do not ask to bring it on sooner. Glory be to Him! He is far above anything they join with Him!

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:2

He sends down angels with inspiration at His command, to whichever of His servants He chooses, to give [His] warning: ‘There is no god but Me, so beware of Me.’

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:3

He created the heavens and earth for a true purpose, and He is far above whatever they join with Him!

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:4

He created man from a drop of fluid, and yet man openly challenges Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:5

And livestock––He created them too. You derive warmth and other benefits from them: you get food from them;

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:6

you find beauty in them when you bring them home to rest and when you drive them out to pasture.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:7

They carry your loads to lands you yourselves could not reach without great hardship––truly your Lord is kind and merciful––

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:8

horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and use for show, and other things you know nothing about.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

16:9

God points out the right path, for some paths lead the wrong way: if He wished, He could guide you all.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem