The Bee[1][2] (Arabic: الْنَّحْل;[3]an-naḥl) is the16th chapter (sūrah) of theQur'an, with 128 verses (āyāt). It is named afterhoney bees mentioned in verse 68, and contains a comparison of the industry and adaptability of honey bees with the industry of man.[4]
Regarding the timing and contextual background of the believedrevelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), it is an "Meccan surah" during the last period, which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, instead of later in Medina.
This surah warns againstpolytheism, saying that the pagan gods cannot create anything,[6] and against comparisons betweenGod and any created beings.[7] It praises God for giving the Earth with all its wealth to mankind. According to this surah, all wonders of the natural world, such as seas, stars and mountains, are proofs of God's infinite power.[8] Verse 66 speaks of the miracle in milk formation in cattle: "From what is within their bodies, between excretions and blood, We produce for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it." Verse 67 speaks of the miracle of the vine: "And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out strong drink and wholesome food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise". Quran 16:103 addresses the allegations that Muhammad has invented the Qur'an.
And your Lord taught the honey bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.[9][10]
^Wherry, Elwood Morris (1896).A Complete Index toSale's Text, Preliminary Discourse, and Notes. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, and Co. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
