Pilot entry: source checked; awaiting review by readers from this tradition.
Original source · Historical tradition
Qur'an: Surah 16 (An-Nahl, 'The Bee'), verse 69 (read with 16:68)
“Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.”Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall (1930)
Continuing from the previous verse, God directs the bee to eat from all fruits and follow the paths made easy for it. From the bee comes a drink of varied colours that the verse describes as containing healing for people, and the whole process is presented as a sign for those who think.
Read the full passage at the source.
Edition: Translation by Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930). Any English rendering is a translation of meaning.
Historical context
Historical context
Surah An-Nahl is generally classed as Meccan (some verses are sometimes considered Medinan). The verse sits within a run of verses pointing to natural phenomena (rain, livestock, fruits, bees) as signs (ayat) of God's providence.
Interpretations differ
Within the tradition
Commonly read as an invitation to contemplate the order of nature as evidence of the Creator. The 'healing' phrase has been discussed in exegesis and in the 'prophetic medicine' literature. Some exegetes even read the healing as referring to the Qur'an rather than honey, so readings differ.
Respect and care
Cultural protocol
The verse invites reflection on signs in creation. The surah bears the name of the bee; we treat that name with respect and never as a product emblem.
This is a reflection on creation, not health advice. Nothing here recommends honey or any food as a treatment.
21 EFFECTS contemporary reflection · Connection
A practice inspired by this text
This practice is a 21 EFFECTS reflection. It is not the tradition’s own teaching or its only meaning, and you do not need to share its beliefs to use it.
- Observe one small living creature or plant for five minutes.
- Notice what it depends on and what depends on it.
- Name one way your daily work depends on others, and thank one of them.
Whose quiet work sustains my life, and do I notice it?
Does this speak to you?
Saved sources accompany your journey days as an extra reflection. Private, on this device only.
Further research
Go to the source
Qur'an: Surah 16 (An-Nahl, 'The Bee'), verse 69 (read with 16:68). Read the passage in full, in context, and with teachers from the tradition where possible. Spotted an error? Send a correction.