Revealed during the late Makkan period when the persecution of the believers was intensifying, Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) serves as a magnificent and sweeping exposition on the infinite blessings and favors bestowed by the Creator upon humanity. Often referred to by scholars as "The Chapter of Blessings," it was sent down to dismantle the ingrained ingratitude and polytheism of the Quraysh by directing their attention to the flawless design and immense utility of the natural world—from the livestock that provide warmth and transportation, to the oceans, mountains, stars, and the life-giving rain. The chapter takes its name from the remarkable example of the honeybee, which operates not merely on biological instinct, but through direct divine inspiration to build intricate hives and produce a sweet liquid containing profound healing properties for mankind. Beyond its deep focus on recognizing divine providence, the Surah fiercely condemns horrific pre-Islamic practices such as female infanticide, while laying down a timeless ethical framework by commanding absolute justice, excellence (*Ihsan*), and generosity to relatives—a comprehensive verse famously recited in almost every Friday sermon worldwide. Ultimately, the chapter equips the Prophet and his followers with the methodology of spreading the faith, instructing them to invite others to the path of God with profound wisdom and beautiful preaching, while reminding them that perfect patience and reliance on God are the ultimate shields against the plots of their oppressors.
Transliteration
Ata amru Allahi fala tastaAAjiloohu subhanahu wataAAala AAamma yushrikoona
Translation
The command of God has come, so do not rush it. Glory be to Him; exalted above what they associate
Transliteration
Yunazzilu almalaikata bialrroohi min amrihi AAala man yashao min AAibadihi an anthiroo annahu la ilaha illa ana faittaqooni
Translation
He sends down the angels with the Spirit by His command, upon whom He wills of His servants: “Give warning that there is no god but Me, and fear Me.”
Transliteration
Khalaqa alssamawati waalarda bialhaqqi taAAala AAamma yushrikoona
Translation
He created the heavens and the earth with justice. He is exalted above the associations they attribute
Transliteration
Khalaqa alinsana min nutfatin faitha huwa khaseemun mubeenun
Translation
He created the human being from a drop of fluid, yet he becomes an open adversary
Transliteration
WaalanAAama khalaqaha lakum feeha difon wamanafiAAu waminha takuloona
Translation
And the livestock—He created them for you. In them are warmth and benefits for you, and of them you eat
Transliteration
Walakum feeha jamalun heena tureehoona waheena tasrahoona
Translation
And there is beauty in them for you, when you bring them home, and when you drive them to pasture
Transliteration
Watahmilu athqalakum ila baladin lam takoonoo baligheehi illa bishiqqi alanfusi inna rabbakum laraoofun raheemun
Translation
And they carry your loads to territory you could not have reached without great hardship. Your Lord is Clement and Merciful
Transliteration
Waalkhayla waalbighala waalhameera litarkabooha wazeenatan wayakhluqu ma la taAAlamoona
Translation
And the horses, and the mules, and the donkeys—for you to ride, and for luxury. And He creates what you do not know
Transliteration
WaAAala Allahi qasdu alssabeeli waminha jairun walaw shaa lahadakum ajmaAAeena
Translation
It is for God to point out the paths, but some of them are flawed. Had He willed, He could have guided you all
Transliteration
Huwa allathee anzala mina alssamai maan lakum minhu sharabun waminhu shajarun feehi tuseemoona
Translation
It is He Who sends down for you from the sky water. From it is drink, and with it grows vegetation for grazing
Transliteration
Yunbitu lakum bihi alzzarAAa waalzzaytoona waalnnakheela waalaAAnaba wamin kulli alththamarati inna fee thalika laayatan liqawmin yatafakkaroona
Translation
And He produces for you grains with it, and olives, and date-palms, and grapes, and all kinds of fruits. Surely in that is a sign for people who think
Transliteration
Wasakhkhara lakumu allayla waalnnahara waalshshamsa waalqamara waalnnujoomu musakhkharatun biamrihi inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yaAAqiloona
Translation
And He regulated for you the night and the day; and the sun, and the moon, and the stars are disposed by His command. Surely in that are signs for people who ponder
Transliteration
Wama tharaa lakum fee alardi mukhtalifan alwanuhu inna fee thalika laayatan liqawmin yaththakkaroona
Translation
And whatsoever He created for you on earth is of diverse colors. Surely in that is a sign for people who are mindful
Transliteration
Wahuwa allathee sakhkhara albahra litakuloo minhu lahman tariyyan watastakhrijoo minhu hilyatan talbasoonaha watara alfulka mawakhira feehi walitabtaghoo min fadlihi walaAAallakum tashkuroona
Translation
And it is He who made the sea to serve you, that you may eat from it tender meat, and extract from it ornaments that you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, as you seek His bounties, so that you may give thanks
Transliteration
Waalqa fee alardi rawasiya an tameeda bikum waanharan wasubulan laAAallakum tahtadoona
Translation
And he cast mountains on the earth, lest it shifts with you; and rivers, and roads, so that you may be guided
Transliteration
WaAAalamatin wabialnnajmi hum yahtadoona
Translation
And landmarks. And by the stars they guide themselves
Transliteration
Afaman yakhluqu kaman la yakhluqu afala tathakkaroona
Translation
Is He who creates like him who does not create? Will you not take a lesson
Transliteration
Wain taAAuddoo niAAmata Allahi la tuhsooha inna Allaha laghafoorun raheemun
Translation
And if you tried to enumerate the favors of God, you will not be able to count them. God is Forgiving and Merciful
Transliteration
WaAllahu yaAAlamu ma tusirroona wama tuAAlinoona
Translation
And God knows what you hide and what you disclose
Transliteration
Waallatheena yadAAoona min dooni Allahi la yakhluqoona shayan wahum yukhlaqoona
Translation
Those they invoke besides God create nothing, but are themselves created