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Chapter 16

The Beeal-Naḥl ( النحل )

128 verses • revealed at Meccan

»The surah that mentions the bees—dwelling in mountains, trees, and man-made hives; eating freely of fruited plants; and giving forth variously coloured honeys that hold both healthful delight and healing qualities—as a clear sign of the wondrous bounty of God’s creation. It takes its name from the honey bee (al-naḥl) mentioned in verse 68 ff. This is just one of the numerous examples given in this surah of God’s grace and the many things man should be grateful for. The surah condemns the idolaters who attribute God’s bounty to other powers and worship false deities. Abraham is given at the end as an example for the Muslim community to follow. Until verse 88, the surah is directed at the polytheists; from verse go onwards it teaches the Muslims in various ways; verse 89 connects the two parts by naming the Prophet as witness to the believers and disbelievers of his community.«

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

A. J. Arberry: In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

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أَتىٰ أَمرُ اللَّهِ فَلا تَستَعجِلوهُ ۚ سُبحانَهُ وَتَعالىٰ عَمّا يُشرِكونَ

A. J. Arberry

God's command comes; so seek not to hasten it. Glory be to Him! High be He exalted above that they associate with Him!