Chapter 16 - 84
The Bee (Surah Al-Nahl)
(128 verses in total, late Makkan; few months before Prophet’s migration to Madinah)
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Allah’s command is coming1; so, try not to hasten it. God is Glorious and Exalted above all that they ascribe as partners. God commands and sends down angels with revelations to whomsoever among the servants, as God pleases, instructing – “Give the warning that there is no god but Me; therefore, act responsibly to Me.” (v. 1-2)
God created with truth the heavens and the earth. God is Exalted over anything they associate! God created human beings from a tiny drop and see, how he becomes an eager contender! (v. 3-4)
The cattle – We (God) created them for you; in them you find warmth, other usages, and flesh to eat. There you find beauty when you drive them home or take them out (to pasture). They carry your heavy loads to regions that you could not reach by yourself, except with great hardship. This is how your Sustainer God is Compassionate and Merciful! There are horses, mules, and asses that you may ride on them and made them your source for pride. God (also) creates others that you have no knowledge of. It rests on Allah to show the right path, while there are paths that lead to the wrong way. Had God willed, you would have been guided all together. (v. 5-9)
God it is Who sends down water from the cloud; it gives you drink and helps grow vegetation from which you feed your cattle. God causes the crops to grow for you; and olives, date palms, grapevines, and all kinds of fruits – in these there are evidence for people who reflect. God has made the day, the night, the sun and the moon to benefit you. The stars are made to be of service by God’s command. In these there are evidence for people who understand. God has created for you on this earth an abundance of colorful things – in these there are evidence for people who are mindful. (v. 10-13)
God has made the sea beneficial so that you may eat fresh flesh from it and bring forth ornament that you wear. You see the ships cleaving through it so that you may seek God’s bounty, and you may be thankful. God had cast firm mountains in the earth, lest it shakes beneath you and in it are rivers and pathways that you may be guided. And there are landmarks and stars that you may find the right directions. (v. 14-16)
Is God Who creates, the same as ones who do not create? How is it you do not pay attention? If you were to count Allah’s blessings, you could not catalog them all. Surely, God is Forgiving, Merciful! Allah knows what you hide and what you disclose. Those that you invoke besides Allah created nothing and they themselves are created – these are dead, not living and they know not when they will be resurrected. Your God is One God. Therefore, those who deny the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to acknowledge, and they are arrogant. (v. 17-22)
Allah knows, without any doubt, what people hide and what they manifest. Indeed, God does not love those who are arrogant. When they are asked, “What is it that your Sustainer God has revealed?”, they reply, “Old fables.” (Such denials) will lead them to face the full consequences on the day of Resurrection and carry the burden of those whom they led to error without knowledge. Ah! What an evil burden they bear. (v. 23-25)
Before these, others plotted (and denied) and God demolished their dwellings from their foundation such that roofs fell on them, and their chastisement caught up with them from sources they could not perceive. Then on the day of Resurrection, God will bring them to their disgrace and ask, “Where are My partners, for whose sake you were defiant?”, while those who possessed knowledge will say, “Surely, disgrace and evil on this day is only upon those who denied (and did evils).” (v. 26-27)
(These people) whom angels will cause to die while they were ungrateful, will now offer submission and claim, “We did no evil.” Nay, surely God knows what they did. Therefore, enter the gates of hell to reside in - an evil place to reside in for those who were arrogant. (v. 28-29)
(Whereas) those who are mindful, and act responsibly2 when asked, “What has your Sustainer God revealed?”, they reply, “Goodness.” Good indeed is for those who do good in this world, and (their) residence in the Hereafter will be better. Excellent indeed is the residence of those who are mindful and act responsibly – Gardens of perpetuity, they will enter – full of springs and provisions as they please! This is how Allah rewards those who act responsibly – the angels cause them to die in a state of purity, offering, “Peace be to you! Enter the garden (as a reward) for what you did.” (v. 30-32)
(Those who are unmindful and do evil) wait for nothing but angels to come (to cause their death) or God’s command to take place. This is how those before them also behaved and Allah did no injustice to them but they themselves were unjust! (This is how) their evils came back to afflict them and the consequences they mocked came to engulf them. (v. 33-34)
The polytheists say, “If Allah had willed, we would not have served a deity other than God – neither us nor our forefathers – nor would we have assigned divinity to anyone (other than God).” This is how those before them also behaved. Yet, the messengers (of God) have no more responsibility than to simply deliver (the message). (v. 35)
Indeed, in every community We (God) raised messengers, saying, “Serve Allah and shun evils.” Then among them were those whom Allah guided and those who deserved to be in error. Therefore, travel on earth and see how the deniers fared at the end! You may desire that they be guided, but Allah will not guide those who choose to go astray, and they shall have no helpers. (v. 36-37)
They swear by Allah with their firm oaths that Allah will not resurrect those who die. Nay, it is a promise binding on God- it is true - while most of mankind do not comprehend. Such is the reality that God may bring clarity to them about which they differ and those who denied may know they were liars. Our word for a thing (such as resurrection), when We intend it, is only to say to it, “Be” and it becomes. (v. 38-40)
Those who emigrate for Allah’s sake after they have been oppressed – those who are steadfast and rely on their Sustainer God – We will settle them in a good place on this earth and the reward in the Hereafter is even better, if they but knew. (v. 41-42)
(Prophet) We have never sent before you but humans to whom We sent revelations; ask the followers of (previous) Reminders if you do not know – clear arguments and scriptures. (Now) We have revealed to you the Reminder that you may clarify for mankind what has been revealed and perhaps, they may reflect. (v. 44)
Are they, who plan evil, feel secure that (1) God will not abase3 them on this earth, or (2) chastisement will come upon them from whence they could not have imagined, or (3) God will not seize them during their going about in their daily routines that they will not have no power to prevent, or (4) God will not afflict them with gradual diminishing4? God is ever Compassionate, Merciful! (v. 45-47)
Do they not consider all that Allah had created? Their very shadows cast to the right and to the left in submission to God while being in utter humility. To Allah bows down whatever is in the heavens and the earth, its living creatures, and the angels too – none of them are arrogant. They are mindful5 of their Sustainer God and do whatsoever they are commanded. (v. 46-50)
Allah had said, “Do not take two gods. There is only one God for certain – so stand in awe of Me!” Unto God belongs all that is in the heavens and on the earth; enduring submission is for God alone! Will you then be duty bound to anyone other than God? (v. 51-52)
Whatever blessings you have is from Allah while if an affliction were to touch you, you cry to God for aid. When God removes such afflictions, some of you attribute partners to God (instead) as a denial to what God have given you. “Enjoy yourselves; soon you will come to know.” They also set apart, from what We (God) have given them, a portion (to such partners) without knowledge. By Allah, they will be questioned about what they made up – they even ascribe daughters to God but for themselves whatever they desire. God is free from such falsification! (v. 53-57)
When the news of the birth of a daughter is announced to one of them, he feels ashamed and full of anger. He hides himself from people in shame because of the bad news – shall I keep it alive with shame or bury it in the sand? Now, this is a real evil as to how they judge! Those who deny the Hereafter have evil attributes whereas Allah’s are the sublime attributes. God is the Mighty, the Wise! (v. 58-60)
If Allah were to take mankind into account for their injustice and inequity, not a single creature would be left untouched, but God gives them reprieve until an appointed time. When that appointed time comes, they are unable to delay it by an hour or advance it. They assign to Allah what they themselves dislike and their tongues utter lies that they have goodness. Fire is their destiny undoubtedly, and they will be left abandoned. (v. 61-62)
By Allah, We certainly sent (messengers) to communities before you but the Satan makes their evil seem good to them. So the devil continues to be their patron on this day whereas theirs will be painful chastisement. We have not revealed the Book except that you may make clear to them regarding matters on which they differ and to serve as a source of guidance and mercy for the believers. (v. 63-64)
Allah sends down water from the sky and thereby gives back life to the earth (its vegetations and creatures) after its death – surely in this there are signs for people who wish to listen! There are also lessons for you in the cattle – We give you drinks (milk) from their bellies, between waste matters and blood, a pure milk palatable to the drinkers. You secure from the fruits of date palms and grapes strong drinks and wholesome provisions – a sign for people who wish to understand! (v. 65-67)
Your Sustainer God revealed to the bees – make hives in the mountains, in the trees and in what people build, then eat from all the fruits, and forage submissively in the ways of your Sustainer God. From their bellies comes a beverage of many different colors (and flavors) and in it is healing for mankind. Truly, in this is a sign for people who wish to reflect! (v. 68-69)
Allah creates you and takes you back, and among you is one who is brought to the weakest part of life6, when one knows nothing after having knowledge. Indeed, Allah is Knowing, Powerful! (v. 70)
Allah has favored some of you above others in provision and wealth7; yet, those who have been favored do not share their provisions with others whom they control, (fearing that) they might become their equal in this regard. Will they then deny Allah’s favor? (v. 71)
Allah has made mates for you from among yourselves, gifted you with children and grandchildren from your mates, and given you good provisions. Will you then believe in falsehood and deny the favor of Allah? They worship besides Allah others that own no provision for them in the heavens or on the earth and these are incapable of doing anything. Therefore, do not set up parallels to Allah. Allah knows but you do not. (v. 72-74)
Allah sets forth a parable – there is a servant enslaved, having no power over anything, and one whom We have given good provisions that he spends freely – are these two alike? Praise be to God! Nay, most of them are ignorant. God sets another parable – two men, one of whom is dumb, has no power over anything and is a burden to his master such that whenever he sends him, he brings no good. Is he equal to one who establishes justice and is on the right guidance8? (v. 75-76)
All that is unseen and unknown of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah and the matter of the Hour is but a blinking of an eye or perhaps sooner still. Indeed, Allah is powerful over all things. (v. 77)
Allah brings you forth from your mother’s womb, when you knew nothing and then God gives you hearing, sight and a heart that you may give thanks. (v. 78)
Do you not see the birds, suspended in the midair? None holds them except Allah . Surely, in this are signs for those who believe! (v. 79)
Allah has given a place to rest in your houses and made such dwellings with the skins of cattle, which you find light to carry during your travel and the day when you pitch camp. From their wool, fur and hair you make furnishings and seek enjoyment for a while. Allah has made for you, out of God’s creation, shades for shelter, places of refuge in the mountains, garments to protect you from heat, and coats of armor to protect you in your fighting – this is how God completes the blessings on you so that you perhaps will humble yourselves. But if they turn away, then your (Prophet) responsibility is only to deliver the message clearly. They recognize the blessings of Allah, but yet they deny it, and many of them are ungrateful. (v. 80-83)
On the day when We will bring forth a witness from every community, those who denied and were ungrateful will not be permitted (to offer excuses) or make amends. When those who were unjust and corrupt see the chastisements, it will neither be lightened for them nor given respite from it. (v. 84-85)
When the polytheists will see the partners, they used to associate (with God), they will say, “Our Sustainer God, these are the partners we used call upon besides You.” But those (partners) will retort back, “You are but liars.” They will offer submission to God that day and what they used to fabricate will fail them. Those who denied and turned away from the guidance of Allah, We will add chastisement to their chastisement, because they caused corruption and mischief. (v. 86-88)
On the Day We will bring witnesses from every community, from amongst themselves to witness against them and then invite you as a witness against them. We have revealed the Book as an explanation of all things and to serve as guidance, a source of mercy and a source of good news for the believers. (v. 89)
Indeed, Allah commands justice, goodness and generosity towards neighbors9 and forbids indecency, evils, and rebelliousness. God admonishes you, that you may become mindful. Fulfil the covenant of Allah after you have made such a covenant and do not break your oath after solemnly making such an oath with Allah as a witness. Allah knows what you do. (v. 90-91)
Do not make your oath (and treaties) as a form of deceit – like a weaver who unravels her yarn, breaking into pieces after having spun it compact – because one nation is more numerous and powerful than another nation. Allah only tries by such conducts. God will certainly make it clear to you on the day of Resurrection about your differences. Had Allah willed, He would have made you all into a single nation, but God leaves in error whom God pleases and guides whom God pleases. You will certainly be questioned about what you did.
Do not make your oaths as a practice of deceit among yourselves, lest a foot slips after its firm placement, and you suffer evils because you inhibit people from Allah’s way and grievous chastisement becomes your destiny. Do not bargain away the compact with Allah for a small price. Indeed, what is with God is better for you if you but knew. What is with you is transient but what is with Allah is enduring. We shall certainly give to those who are patient their rewards for the best of their conduct. Whoever does good – be a male or a female – and is a believer, We will grant a good life. We shall give them their rewards for the best of what they did. (v. 92-97)
When you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge in God against the outcast - the Satan - who has no power over those who believe and who rely on their Sustainer God. His power is only over those who befriend him and become polytheists regarding him. (v. 98-100)
When We (God) change a message for a message – and Allah knows best what He reveals– they say, “You are a fabricator.” But most of them are ignorant. Say to them, “The Holy Spirit (Ruhul Quddus)10 has revealed it from your Sustainer God with truth so that it can empower those who believe and serve as a guidance and an encouragement for those who are Muslims (have submitted).” (v. 101-102)
We (God) are aware when they say, “It is a mortal who teaches him.” But the speech of whom they refer to is foreign whereas this (the Qur’an) is in pristine Arabic tongue. Those who do not believe in Allah’s message, God does not guide them, and they will face serious consequences since only those who do not believe in Allah are capable of fabricating, and they indeed are liars. It is these who disbelieve in Allah after their achieving faith, excluding those who are coerced, while their hearts were content with faith. Those who welcome disbelief are the recipient of Allah’s displeasure and theirs is a grievous consequence (chastisement). This is for their preference for the life of this world over the Hereafter and because Allah does not guide the disbelievers. These are the people whose hearts, eyes and wars have been sealed off by Allah and they have become incapable of mindfulness. Undoubtedly, they will be the losers in the Hereafter. (v. 103-109)
Those who turn to their Sustainer God, after being persecuted and they continue to struggle hard and exercise patience, your Sustainer God is Protecting, Merciful – (specially) on a day when every soul will come pleading for itself and every soul will be recompensed in full for what it had done, and they will not be dealt unjustly. (v. 110-111)
Allah sets forth a parable – a town safe and at peace, its sources of abundant sustenance coming from all quarters, yet they denied the blessings of Allah. Then Allah let them taste the touch of hunger and fear for what they themselves have brought to bear. There came to them a messenger from their community, but they rejected him – so the consequences due descended on them while they were in a state of wrongful conducts. (v. 112-113)
Therefore, partake of the good and pure things that Allah had blessed you with and give thanks for Allah’s blessing, if you truly serve Him. God has only forbidden for you what dies of itself, blood, the flesh of pig and anything over which, any name other than Allah’s have been invoked, but making exception to those who are driven (out of dire necessity) and not due to desire or willful negligence of the boundaries set forth, for them God is Forgiving, Merciful. (v. 114-115)
Do not let your tongue utter a lie – “this is lawful, and this is unlawful” – so that you establish lies in the name of Allah. Indeed, those who forge lies in the name of Allah will not succeed. It is a transient enjoyment but will result in a grievous consequence. (v. 116-117)
As for the Jews, We (God) forbade things that has already been narrated to you – We did no injustice, they were unjust to themselves. God is Forgiving and Merciful to those who do evil in ignorance and then repent and make amends afterwards. (v. 118-119)
Indeed, Abraham was a role model (for humanity) – subservient to God, upright, devoid of polytheism, and grateful for God’s blessings – God chose him and guided him to the right path. We (God) showered him with goodness on this earth and in the Hereafter, he is surely among those who are righteous. Now We reveal to you (Prophet) - follow the creed of Abraham, the upright one and he was not, for sure, a polytheist. (v. 120-123)
Sabbath was only prescribed for those who expressed differing views about it. iYour Sustainer God will judge between them, on the day of Resurrection, concerning their differences. (v. 124)
Invite to the ways of your Sustainer God with wisdom, good teaching, and reasons with humility and thoughtfulness. Your Sustainer God surely knows best the one who strays from God’s path. God knows best the one who goes aright. (v. 125)
If you were to retaliate, then only do so in proportion to how you were afflicted but if you show patience (for justice), then it is best for the steadfast. Be patient and steadfast and your patience is only by the grace of God. So do not grieve for their conducts, nor be distressed by their plot, since Allah aids those who act responsibly and do good. (v. 126-128)
1 “Ata” the verb in the past tense implies what is inevitable and soon to executed as if the command has already been given.
2 “Taqwa and Muttaqin” – Responsible acts and being a responsible human in all sense have been the pre-eminent words used to characterize a truly faithful person as opposed to mere submission (Muslim) or mere faith (Mu’men).
3 Literally swallow as if in a sinkhole or earthquake or buried in a volcanic eruption. Today’s man-made WMD (weapons of mass destruction) can do the same.
4 Gradual loss of power, wealth, health, knowledge, fame, followers or anything that makes them proud and leads to evil conducts.
5 This verse is a place where a reciter will stop the reading and bow down to God as a show of submission!
6 Old age or diseases that diminish your knowledge, memory and capabilities – mentally and physically.
7 This also applies to knowledge, physical strength or any other attributes that lead one to think that they are more gifted but remain arrogant and unwilling to share with others less gifted.
8 Siratal Mustaqim – Straight Path – a path on which all prophets – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad – walked and invited others.
9 “Qurba” is typically translated as kins or relatives but I take an expansive view that it means anyone who is in close proximity in relations or presence – family, relatives, neighbor, and even a stranger who is a fellow traveler.
10 “Ruhul Quddus” is traditionally translated as ‘Holy Spirit’ or ‘Pure Spirit’ but there is a danger that such use of the word confuses with the Christian concept of Holy Spirit, which is embedded in the concept of Trinity. In Islam Holy Spirit refers to Archangel Gabriel who was charged to convey the revelations contained in the Qur’an to Prophet Mohammad.
i The statement may relate to the fact that the designation of a day for devotion to God led to differences among the followers of Moses as regarding the extent to which any activities directly related to devotion (worship) of God were permissible. Hence a stricter form of Sabbath was either directed by God or adopted by various communities in violation of God’s general commandment regarding Sabbath.
