An-Nahl (The Bee)

Verse 17

Table of Contents

    17. “Is He then Who creates as he who does not create? Do you not then consider?”

    From the onset of the Surah Nahl as far as here, the Qur’an has recounted the Divine blessings in 15 verses.

    It draws a general conclusion in this verse and explains the issue in an interrogative form implying whether He then Who creates is on a par with or equal to those idols and despots who are lacking in power to create. Why is it that you search for them instead of turning to the Almighty?

    The verse says:

    “Is He then Who creates as he who does not create?…”

    After the discussion of all those great blessings and the hidden graces of Allah, the Qur’an addresses the conscience of the human beings and states:

    “Is He then Who creates as he who does not create? Do you not then consider?”

    Should one prostrate before the Creator of all such blessings or should one prostrate before those beings which are only tiny creatures themselves and who have never created anything and are not creating anything at the present?

    This is an effective educational method which the Qur’an has employed in various circumstances. It raises the issues in an interrogative form and leaves their answers to the awakened consciences while appealing to the sense of spontaneity of he people.

    In conclusion, theology and the worship of the Almighty is embedded in the nature of all human beings; what is needed is reminding them of it.

    “…Do you not then consider?”