The Bee (Arabic: الْنَّحْل; an-naḥl) is the 16th chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, with 128 verses (āyāt). It is named after honey bees mentioned in verse 68, and contains a comparison of the industry and adaptability of honey bees with the industry of man.
Regarding the timing and contextual background of the believed revelation (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.
121–124 Muhammad exhorted to adopt the religion of Abraham
125 Friday to be observed instead of the Sabbath
126 Infidels not to be treated harshly
127 Patient forbearance better than vengeance
128 God is with the righteous
This surah warns against polytheism, saying that the pagan gods cannot create anything, and against comparisons between God and any created beings. 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. 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". Verse 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.
↑Wherry, Elwood Morris (1896). A Complete Index to Sale's Text, Preliminary Discourse, and Notes. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, and Co. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
