Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This powerful Makkan surah is a vast, systematic argument for Monotheism, ground in Allah's innumerable blessings. It draws on the detailed marvels of creation – from the bee guided by divine inspiration to the recurring cycles of nature – to refute polytheism, affirm the Resurrection, and lay down core moral principles of justice, good conduct, and wisdom in calling to Islam.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan, according to the majority. However, some stated that vv. 126-128 were revealed after Uḥud, and it is reported from Qatādah and Jābir ibn Zayd that the second half of the surah, starting from v. 41, was revealed in Madinah.

Chronology: It has been counted as the 72nd surah in order of revelation in the well-known chronology of Jābir ibn Zayd, after Sūrat al-Anbiyā’ and before al-Sajdah.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah's established name is "Sūrat al-Naḥl" (The Bees). It is the only surah that mentions the bees [68] and their divinely inspired work and beneficial product (honey). It is also known as "Sūrat al-Niʿam" (The surah of Bounties) because it enumerates so many of Allah's blessings upon humanity.

Ayah Count: 128 by the agreed-upon count.

Surah Overview:

• The main focus of the surah is presenting various evidences that Allah is the only true god, the falsehood of shirk, evidences for the truth of Muhammad’s Prophethood (ﷺ), that the Quran is revelation given to him, that the basis of Islamic laws is the way of Abraham, and affirming the Resurrection and Divine Reckoning.
• Warning of the imminent punishment for the mockers. [1]
• Establishing Allah's Oneness through proofs from creation (heavens, earth, stars, night, day, seas, mountains, animals, and human growth stages). [3-18]
• Quran & Prophethood: Defending revelation, refuting their insinuations, and guiding Qur’an recitation/protection from satanic interference. [2, 24, 64, 89–90, 98-103]
• The Fate of Nations Past: Warning by what befell earlier peoples who denied, and contrasting that with the bliss of those who practice righteousness and patience, especially those wronged and who emigrated for Allah. [26–34, 41–42]
• Resurrection & retribution: Refuting denial of the Resurrection and affirming Allah’s effortless creating command (“Be, and it is”). [38–40]
• Hijrah: Promising good to those who migrate in response to oppression and persecution. [41, 110]
• The Bee and its Benefits: Singling out the bee for its divinely inspired industry and the benefits of its products (honey). [68-69]
• Core Moral Laws: Commanding the foundational principles of the sharīʿah: justice, good conduct, helping kin, and fulfilling covenants. [90]
• Prohibiting Vice: Forbidding indecency, evil, and transgression. [90]
• Covenants and oaths: Commanding fulfillment of covenants and forbidding the misuse or breaking of sworn commitments. [91–96]
• Uttering Blasphemous Words Under Duress: Granting a concession to those forced to utter expressions of disbelief under coercion. [106]
• Warning Against Apostasy: A warning to those who embrace disbelief after faith and a description of their end. [106-109]

• Abraham’s Creed: Affirming that the sharīʿah of Islam is based on the original monotheism of Prophet Abraham. [120-123]
• Wise Preaching: Commanding the Prophet (ﷺ) to call to Allah's way with wisdom and beautiful preaching. [125]
• Reassurance to the Prophet (ﷺ): Commanding the Prophet (ﷺ) to be patient, especially after the mutilation of his uncle Ḥamzah, and concluding by strengthening the Messenger (ﷺ) and promising Allah’s support. [126-128]