الأنعام
Al Anam
Verses
165
Revelation
Makki
Period
Late Makkan
Surah No.
6 / 114
Al-An'am is one of the great Makkan surahs, revealed in its entirety in a single night near the end of the Makkan period. It is primarily a sustained argument for monotheism against the polytheism of the Quraysh, using rational proofs, historical examples of previous nations, and the signs in creation. It also contains the declaration of Ibrahim's pure monotheism and addresses superstitions about livestock.
أسباب النزول
According to Ibn Abbas, this entire surah was revealed at once in Makkah during the night, accompanied by seventy thousand angels glorifying Allah. This distinguished revelation underscores its theological importance. It was revealed when the Quraysh's polytheism and their superstitions around cattle (forbidding certain animals to themselves or dedicating them to idols) needed a comprehensive rebuttal.
“Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.”
Ibrahim's declaration of pure monotheism after observing the stars, moon, and sun and rejecting them as objects of worship. This verse is the pinnacle of the Quranic argument for tawhid through rational reflection.
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
This verse, often recited before prayer, summarises the totality of a believer's submission to Allah and forms the closing declaration of the surah's monotheistic theme.
The Prophet said that this surah was sent down with seventy thousand angels, and that the glorification of Allah filled what is between the heavens and the earth. (Hakim, Bayhaqi)