Surah 16: The Bees

Surah 16: The Bees - Overview

Verses	Description
16:1-25	Signs and favors innumerable guide man to God, but arrogance misleads
16:26-50	The plots of the wicked end in shame; the Penalty comes in unexpected ways; for nature proclaims God
16:51-83	God is One: He provides man with all the means for growth, social, moral, and spiritual
16:84-100	Messengers will witness against men who reject Truth: be faithful in intent and action
16:101-128	Give up pride of worldly goods: God is with those who live in self-restraint a pure and righteous life

Introduction

Chronologically this Surah, like the six which preceded it, belongs to the late Makkan period, except perhaps verse 110 and some of the verses that follow. But the chronology has no significance. In subject matter it sums up, from a new point of view, the arguments on the great questions of God's dealings with man, His Self-revelation to man, and how the Messengers and the Message are writ large in every phase of God's Creation and the life of Man. The new point of view is that Nature points to Nature's God.

Summary

1- Everything in Creation proclaims the glory of God. To man is given dominion over Nature, that man may recognize God's Unity and God's Truth. (16:1-25)

Innumerable Favors [16:1-25] God's Command must inevitably come to pass. But all His Creation proclaim His glory, and leads to His Truth. In all things has He furnished man with favors innumerable, to lead and guide him and bring him to Himself. Why then does man refuse the Truth, except for arrogance? Why does he run after false gods, thus acting against his own lights and misleading others less blest in knowledge?

2- Man should never lose sight of his goal, which is the good, or dispute with the great Teachers, who are sent to all Peoples, to bring about Unity: all creatures serve God. (16:26-50)

Wicked Men and Great Teachers [16:26-50] In all ages wicked men tried to plot against God's Way, but they never succeeded, and were covered with shame in ways unexpected. The righteous see good in God's Word, and their goal is the Good. Great Teachers were sent to all nations, to warn against Evil and guide to the Right. The penalty for evil comes in many unexpected ways, for Evil is against Nature. And all Nature proclaims God's Glory and humbly serves Him, the Lord Supreme.

3- God's favors and man's ingratitude recounted. His Signs in the rain-bearing clouds, the cattle that give milk, the bee that produces honey, the wonderful relations of family and social life, and the refinements and comforts of civilization. (16:51-83)

The Greatest Gift [16:51-83] There is but One God, He Who gives all blessings to man and other creatures. His greatest gift is that He reveals Himself. But in many tangible ways He cares for man and provides for his growth.

4- The Messengers of Truth will bear witness against those who reject the Truth. God will judge us according to our faith and deeds. (16:84-100)

Faith and Deeds [16:84-100] God's Prophets, if rejected, will be witnesses against those who reject God's Truth! And all false gods will disappear. A life of justice and righteousness is enjoined by God, an the strictest fidelity, in intent and action. For God will judge us by our faith and deeds, and no evil shall have power over those who believe and put their trust in God their Lord.

Truth in Stages [16:101-128] God's Truth may come in stages, but it gives strength, guidance, and glad tidings, and should be held fast when once received. Be not like those who get puffed up with pride in worldly good, and scorn the Truth. Enjoy the good things of life, but render thanks to God and obey His Law. Be true in faith, and proclaim His Word with gentle, patient wisdom: for God is with those who live in self-restraint a pure, good, and righteous Life.