Surah Name: An-Naml (سورة النمل)
Translation: The Ant
Origin of name: The surah is named "An-Naml" (“The Ant”) because of the story mentioned in verse 18 about the ant that spoke when it saw Prophet Solomon’s army. For this reason, the surah is also sometimes referred to as "Surat Suleiman" (The Surah of Solomon).
Surah Number: 27
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 93
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the second half of the Makkan period, after Surah Ash-Shu'ara
Historical Context
Surah An-Naml was revealed at a time when resistance to Islam in Makkah was becoming increasingly strong and hostile. The surah belongs to a period during which the Makkan authorities intensified their opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers. Despite the clear proofs and the moral message of Islam, many of the Quraysh leaders continued to reject the message due to arrogance and attachment to their ancestral traditions.
The socio-political environment in Makkah at this time was marked by religious polytheism, economic control by a few elite families, and cultural pride. The notion of worshipping one God, as preached by Islam, was seen as a threat not only to their religious beliefs but also to their social and political status. As preaching intensified, so did the mockery and denial from the disbelievers.
In this climate of opposition, the surah highlights examples from the past, referring to well-known figures such as Moses, Solomon, Salih, and Lot, and how their people similarly rejected divine messages.
The surah also emphasizes the Qur'an's authenticity and its alignment with previous revelations. By doing so, it links Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) mission with earlier prophetic traditions, conveying that his message is a continuation rather than a new invention. Additionally, warnings of impending punishment and the coming of the Last Day serve to awaken the conscience of a society deeply engrossed in worldly pursuits and idolatry.
The final verses of the surah also contain eschatological (end times) references, such as the emergence of the beast from the earth (Dabbat al-Ard).
Main Themes
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Divine Origin of the Quran:
The surah begins by affirming that the Quran is a revelation from the wise and knowledgeable Allah, serving as guidance and mercy for believers who remain mindful of prayer, purification, and the Day of Judgment. -
Stories of Earlier Prophets:
The surah recounts the missions of Prophets Musa, Sulayman, Salih, and Lut (peace be upon them). These stories show how the prophets conveyed Allah’s message and how people responded—some with belief, and many with denial, arrogance, and rejection. -
Miracles and Signs:
Prophet Sulayman’s unique kingdom, including his knowledge of the language of animals and control over jinn and birds, demonstrates Allah's power through miracles. The conversion of the Queen of Sheba (Belqis) symbolizes the triumph of faith and truth. -
Condemnation of Disbelief and Arrogance:
The deniers recognized the truth inwardly but rejected it due to their pride and wrongdoing. This theme warns against arrogance and refusing the truth despite clear signs. -
Refutation of Polytheism (Shirk):
The surah strongly criticizes associating partners with Allah. Through rhetorical questions about creation, provision, and guidance in the world, it highlights the oneness of Allah. The recurring question, "Is there any god besides Allah?" emphasizes the irrationality of shirk. -
Belief in the Afterlife:
The surah stresses the reality and seriousness of the afterlife. Scenes from the Day of Judgment are shared to remind people of their accountability and the consequences for disbelief. -
Truth of the Prophet’s Mission:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reminded to remain firm and patient, even if people reject him. His role is to deliver the message, while guidance ultimately comes from Allah. -
Signs of the End Times:
The mention of Dabbat al-Ard (a beast from the earth) that will appear close to the Day of Judgment serves as a sign of humanity’s growing heedlessness and a warning of divine accountability. -
Promise of Future Victory:
The surah ends with assurance of the truth of the Prophet’s (pbuh) mission, a command to continue proclaiming the message, and a promise that Allah will soon show His miraculous signs that confirm the truth of Islam.
Key Lessons from Surah An-Naml
- The Quran is a divine revelation that guides believers to salvation.
- Past prophets faced rejection despite clear signs, due to people's arrogance and pride.
- True believers show faith through prayer, charity, and belief in the afterlife.
- Stories of prophets like Moses, Solomon, Salih, and Lot show that rejecting truth leads to destruction.
- Allah’s power is shown through control over nature and creation.
- Associating partners with Allah is irrational and against human nature.
- Only Allah knows the unseen; relying on fortune-telling or false gods is misguidance.
- Success lies in trusting Allah and staying committed to His message.
Notable Ayahs from Surah An-Naml
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Verse 1-2:
"Ṭâ-Sĩn. These are the verses of the Quran; the clear Book. ˹It is˺ a guide and good news for the believers."
The Surah opens by affirming that the Quran is a clear and divine source of guidance. -
Verse 14:
"And, although their hearts were convinced the signs were true, they still denied them wrongfully and arrogantly. See then what was the end of the corruptors!"
Speaking about Pharaoh and his followers rejecting the signs of Prophet Musa out of pride. -
Verse 18:
"And when they came across a valley of ants, an ant warned, “O ants! Go quickly into your homes so Solomon and his armies do not crush you, unknowingly.”"
The verse from which the Surah gets its name, showing Prophet Solomon’s understanding of the animals. -
Verse 44:
"Then she was told, “Enter the palace.” But when she saw the hall, she thought it was a body of water, so she bared her legs. Solomon said. “It is just a palace paved with crystal.” ˹At last˺ she declared, “My Lord! I have certainly wronged my soul. Now I ˹fully˺ submit myself along with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.”"
Queen of Sheba's realization and submission to Allah after witnessing the signs. -
Verse 60:
"Or ˹ask them,˺ “Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down rain for you from the sky, by which We cause delightful gardens to grow? You could never cause their trees to grow. Was it another god besides Allah?” Absolutely not! But they are a people who set up equals ˹to Allah˺!…"
These repeated rhetorical questions (v. 60-64) emphasize the absurdity of associating others with Allah. -
Verse 82:
"And when the decree ˹of the Hour˺ comes to pass against them, We will bring forth for them a beast from the earth, telling them that the people had no sure faith in Our revelations."
A prophecy of the end times involving a creature that will speak to people. -
Verse 90:
"And whoever comes with an evil deed will be hurled face-first into the Fire. Are you rewarded except for what you used to do?"
A reminder of accountability and consequences in the Hereafter. -
Verse 91-92:
"Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I have only been commanded to worship the Lord of this city ˹of Mecca˺, Who has made it sacred, and to Him belongs everything. And I am commanded to be one of those who ˹fully˺ submit ˹to Him˺, and to recite the Quran.” Then whoever chooses to be guided, it is only for their own good. But whoever chooses to stray, say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I am only a warner."
Emphasizes the Prophet's mission of faith, worship, and reciting the Quran.
Scientific Miracle in Surah An-Naml
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Verse 88:
“You see the mountains, thinking they are firmly fixed, but they are passing like clouds. That is the design of Allah, Who has perfected all things. Surely, He is All-Aware of what you do.”This verse reveals a fact known today through geology: mountains are slowly moving. Due to Isostasy and plate tectonics, mountains float and shift on the Earth’s softer layer, the asthenosphere—similar to how clouds float due to buoyancy.
This knowledge, revealed in the Qur’an over 1400 years ago, matches modern science and highlights the miraculous nature of the Qur’an.
Learn more: Mountains in the Quran
