16. An-Nahl (The Bee) |
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Maududi's Introduction |
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The name, An-Nahl, of this Surah has been taken from v. 68. This is
merely to distinguish it from other Surahs.
The following internal evidence shows that this Surah was revealed
during the last Makkan stage of Prophethood:
The general style of the Surah also supports the view that this was revealed during the last stage at Makkah. Central ThemeAll the topics of the Surah revolve round different aspects of the Message, ie., refutation of shirk, proof of Tauhid, and warning of the consequences of the rejection of and opposition and antagonism to the Message. Topics of DiscussionThe very first verse gives direct and strict warning to those who were rejecting the Message outright, as if to say, "Allah's decision has already been made concerning your rejection of the Message. Why are you then clamoring for hastening it? Why don't you make use of the respite that is being given to you!" And this was exactly what the disbelievers of Makkah needed at the time of the revelation of this Surah. For they challenged the Prophet (Allah's peace be upon him) over and over again: "Why don't you bring that scourge with which you have been threatening us! For we have not only rejected your Message but have been openly opposing it for a long time." Such a challenge had become a by-word with them, which they frequently repeated as a clear proof that Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him) was not a true Prophet. Immediately after this warning they have been admonished to give up shirk, for this false creed was the main obstacle in the way of the Message. Then the following topics come over and over again, one after the other:
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