سُوْرَةُ النَّحْلِ
Surah An-Nahl (16) — Ayah 69
ثُمَّ كُلِى مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ فَٱسْلُكِى سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا ۚ يَخْرُجُ مِنۢ بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ فِيهِ شِفَآءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿69﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
"Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
ثُمَّ
thumma
Then
كُلِى
kulī
eat
مِن
min
from
كُلِّ
kulli
all
ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ
l-thamarāti
the fruits
فَٱسْلُكِى
fa-us'lukī
and follow
سُبُلَ
subula
(the) ways
رَبِّكِ
rabbiki
(of) your Lord
ذُلُلًۭا ۚ
dhululan
made smooth
يَخْرُجُ
yakhruju
Comes forth
مِنۢ
min
from
بُطُونِهَا
buṭūnihā
their bellies
شَرَابٌۭ
sharābun
a drink
مُّخْتَلِفٌ
mukh'talifun
(of) varying
أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ
alwānuhu
colors
فِيهِ
fīhi
in it
شِفَآءٌۭ
shifāon
(is) a healing
لِّلنَّاسِ ۗ
lilnnāsi
for the mankind
إِنَّ
inna
Indeed
فِى
fī
in
ذَٰلِكَ
dhālika
that
لَـَٔايَةًۭ
laāyatan
(is) surely a Sign
لِّقَوْمٍۢ
liqawmin
for a people
يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
yatafakkarūna
who reflect
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
69. 1 The honeybee first makes its hexagonal home and hive in the mountains, in the trees, and on the heights of human buildings in such a way that there remains no gap in between. Then it roams around in gardens, forests, valleys, and mountains and collects the juice of all kinds of fruits in its belly, and then returns by those same paths from wherever it has passed, and comes and sits in its hive, where from its mouth or rear comes out that honey which the Quran has described as 'sharab'. That is, a soul-refreshing drink.
69. 2 Some red, some white, some blue, and some yellow in color; the type of fruits and fields from which it obtains its food, accordingly its color and taste also differ.
69. 3 The indefiniteness in شِفَاء is for magnification. That is, in honey there is healing for many diseases. It does not mean that it is a cure for every disease absolutely. The scholars of medicine have explained that honey is certainly a healing natural drink, but for specific diseases, not for every disease. In the hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ liked sweet things and honey (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ashriba, Bab Sharab al-Halwa wa al-Asal). In another narration, it is mentioned that he said there is healing in three things: in cupping, in drinking honey, and in cauterization with fire. But I forbid my ummah from cauterization. In the hadith, there is also an incident that in the disease of diarrhea, the Prophet ﷺ advised giving honey to drink, which caused more waste to be expelled, and the family thought perhaps the illness had increased, then they came to the Prophet ﷺ again. He ﷺ said for the third time, Allah is true and your brother's stomach is false. Go and give him honey to drink. Thus, on the third time, he attained complete healing.
69. 2 Some red, some white, some blue, and some yellow in color; the type of fruits and fields from which it obtains its food, accordingly its color and taste also differ.
69. 3 The indefiniteness in شِفَاء is for magnification. That is, in honey there is healing for many diseases. It does not mean that it is a cure for every disease absolutely. The scholars of medicine have explained that honey is certainly a healing natural drink, but for specific diseases, not for every disease. In the hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ liked sweet things and honey (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ashriba, Bab Sharab al-Halwa wa al-Asal). In another narration, it is mentioned that he said there is healing in three things: in cupping, in drinking honey, and in cauterization with fire. But I forbid my ummah from cauterization. In the hadith, there is also an incident that in the disease of diarrhea, the Prophet ﷺ advised giving honey to drink, which caused more waste to be expelled, and the family thought perhaps the illness had increased, then they came to the Prophet ﷺ again. He ﷺ said for the third time, Allah is true and your brother's stomach is false. Go and give him honey to drink. Thus, on the third time, he attained complete healing.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
69. Then suck the nectar from every kind of fruit and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you [67]. From the bellies of these bees comes a drink of varying colors [68] (honey), in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.
[67]
Order and Discipline in Honeycombs and Bees:
There is one bee among the bees who is their leader or queen, called "yasub" in Arabic. All the other bees are obedient to her; the bees go out in search of sustenance by her command, and if she accompanies them, all of them fully protect her. There is such order and discipline among them that seeing it, a person is left astonished as to how such a small creature possesses so much intelligence and understanding. The bees, flying in search of livelihood, reach far-off places and sit on fruits, flowers, and sweet things of various colors, sucking their nectar. Then, this very nectar is brought back and stored in the cells of their hive, and they are so intelligent that they never forget the way back to their home. Even if there are many hives along the way, they will reach only their own hive or home. In other words, the discipline of these bees, their constant coming and going, preparing a special kind of home, and then regularly storing honey in it—all these paths Allah has made so smooth for the bee that it never needs to think or ponder. In this verse, Allah Almighty said: ﴿فَاسْلُكِيْ سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا﴾ And the meaning of "dhulul" is for something to abandon its rebellious nature and willingly submit to obedience, to become compliant and subjugated, or to become tame and subdued. And if "dhululan" is considered as an attribute of the paths, then it would mean that however distant or winding these paths may be for the bee, Allah has made all these paths soft and easy for it. And if this word is considered as an attribute of the bee, then it would mean: "Follow, with pleasure and willingness, the ways that Allah has prescribed for you." And some explain its meaning as: "When reaching the cells of the hive, fold your wings to reach them, and after placing the honey, come out of the hive in the same way with your wings folded."
[68]
Healing and Other Characteristics in Honey:
Honey comes in many colors: yellow, whitish, reddish, or blackish. And there are various reasons for these colors. However, there are some common properties in every type of honey. The most important property is that it is declared as a cure for many diseases, except if the patient himself is suffering from a bad temperament, as is evident from the following hadiths:
1. Abu Sa'id Khudri ؓ says that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, "My brother's stomach is upset." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give him honey to drink." He came again and said, "O Messenger of Allah! His stomach has become even worse after drinking honey." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Allah's word is true and your brother's stomach has lied. Go and give him honey again." He came a third time and said, "I gave him honey, but he had even more bowel movements." The Prophet ﷺ again said, "Allah has spoken the truth and your brother's stomach has lied." He gave him honey again, and he was cured. [بخاري، كتاب الطب۔ باب الدواء بالعسل]
2. Also, Abdullah bin Abbas ؓ says that the Prophet ﷺ said, "There is healing in three things: in drinking honey, in cupping, and in cauterization with fire, but I forbid my ummah from cauterization." [بخاری، کتاب الطب، باب الشفاء فی ثلاثۃ]
The Astonishing Works of Allah Almighty:
Another important property of honey is that whatever things are kept in honey remain preserved and intact in it for a long time, and if medicines are added, their effect—even their fragrance—remains for a long time. This is why physicians, after grinding and sifting medicines, mix them with honey instead of sugar to prepare electuaries, etc., from which triple benefits are obtained: first, it serves as a sweetener; second, it preserves the effect of the medicines for a long time; and third, honey itself is a cure for most diseases and, in this respect, increases the effectiveness of medicines many times over. It is astonishing that the honeybee itself is a venomous creature; if it stings a person, his skin becomes swollen and severely inflamed. Through this means, it knows well how to protect its hive. Those who are skilled in the art of removing hives wrap their bodies well with clothes and apply various medicines to their bodies before touching the hive, and when it is time to disturb (cut) the hive, they first smoke from below so that the bees fly away. Even so, the bees together attack that person, but since Allah has given man so much intelligence that he succeeds in taming all animals, he removes the hive and obtains honey. Thus, the honey that comes out from such a venomous creature is declared a cure for most human diseases and also serves as a sweet and delicious food for him. The mention of the above drinks is not merely to inform man of how many delicious and beneficial things Allah has created for him, but the real purpose of mentioning them is that man should reflect that the fruits, cattle, or living beings that Allah has created—all their benefits are reaped by man alone. Then, he should also ponder over the miraculous powers of Allah, that these cattle or bees, etc., provide these things to man in such astonishing ways, and in them, there is a vast field for man's reflection. Then, he should also consider whether anyone other than Allah can create these things or instill natural instruction in their instincts. And if the answer to these questions is in the negative, then what need is there to associate partners with Him or to accept others as partners?
[67]
Order and Discipline in Honeycombs and Bees:
There is one bee among the bees who is their leader or queen, called "yasub" in Arabic. All the other bees are obedient to her; the bees go out in search of sustenance by her command, and if she accompanies them, all of them fully protect her. There is such order and discipline among them that seeing it, a person is left astonished as to how such a small creature possesses so much intelligence and understanding. The bees, flying in search of livelihood, reach far-off places and sit on fruits, flowers, and sweet things of various colors, sucking their nectar. Then, this very nectar is brought back and stored in the cells of their hive, and they are so intelligent that they never forget the way back to their home. Even if there are many hives along the way, they will reach only their own hive or home. In other words, the discipline of these bees, their constant coming and going, preparing a special kind of home, and then regularly storing honey in it—all these paths Allah has made so smooth for the bee that it never needs to think or ponder. In this verse, Allah Almighty said: ﴿فَاسْلُكِيْ سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا﴾ And the meaning of "dhulul" is for something to abandon its rebellious nature and willingly submit to obedience, to become compliant and subjugated, or to become tame and subdued. And if "dhululan" is considered as an attribute of the paths, then it would mean that however distant or winding these paths may be for the bee, Allah has made all these paths soft and easy for it. And if this word is considered as an attribute of the bee, then it would mean: "Follow, with pleasure and willingness, the ways that Allah has prescribed for you." And some explain its meaning as: "When reaching the cells of the hive, fold your wings to reach them, and after placing the honey, come out of the hive in the same way with your wings folded."
[68]
Healing and Other Characteristics in Honey:
Honey comes in many colors: yellow, whitish, reddish, or blackish. And there are various reasons for these colors. However, there are some common properties in every type of honey. The most important property is that it is declared as a cure for many diseases, except if the patient himself is suffering from a bad temperament, as is evident from the following hadiths:
1. Abu Sa'id Khudri ؓ says that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, "My brother's stomach is upset." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give him honey to drink." He came again and said, "O Messenger of Allah! His stomach has become even worse after drinking honey." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Allah's word is true and your brother's stomach has lied. Go and give him honey again." He came a third time and said, "I gave him honey, but he had even more bowel movements." The Prophet ﷺ again said, "Allah has spoken the truth and your brother's stomach has lied." He gave him honey again, and he was cured. [بخاري، كتاب الطب۔ باب الدواء بالعسل]
2. Also, Abdullah bin Abbas ؓ says that the Prophet ﷺ said, "There is healing in three things: in drinking honey, in cupping, and in cauterization with fire, but I forbid my ummah from cauterization." [بخاری، کتاب الطب، باب الشفاء فی ثلاثۃ]
The Astonishing Works of Allah Almighty:
Another important property of honey is that whatever things are kept in honey remain preserved and intact in it for a long time, and if medicines are added, their effect—even their fragrance—remains for a long time. This is why physicians, after grinding and sifting medicines, mix them with honey instead of sugar to prepare electuaries, etc., from which triple benefits are obtained: first, it serves as a sweetener; second, it preserves the effect of the medicines for a long time; and third, honey itself is a cure for most diseases and, in this respect, increases the effectiveness of medicines many times over. It is astonishing that the honeybee itself is a venomous creature; if it stings a person, his skin becomes swollen and severely inflamed. Through this means, it knows well how to protect its hive. Those who are skilled in the art of removing hives wrap their bodies well with clothes and apply various medicines to their bodies before touching the hive, and when it is time to disturb (cut) the hive, they first smoke from below so that the bees fly away. Even so, the bees together attack that person, but since Allah has given man so much intelligence that he succeeds in taming all animals, he removes the hive and obtains honey. Thus, the honey that comes out from such a venomous creature is declared a cure for most human diseases and also serves as a sweet and delicious food for him. The mention of the above drinks is not merely to inform man of how many delicious and beneficial things Allah has created for him, but the real purpose of mentioning them is that man should reflect that the fruits, cattle, or living beings that Allah has created—all their benefits are reaped by man alone. Then, he should also ponder over the miraculous powers of Allah, that these cattle or bees, etc., provide these things to man in such astonishing ways, and in them, there is a vast field for man's reflection. Then, he should also consider whether anyone other than Allah can create these things or instill natural instruction in their instincts. And if the answer to these questions is in the negative, then what need is there to associate partners with Him or to accept others as partners?
