The Ant

An Naml

Verses

Revelation

Makki

Period

Middle Makkan

Surah No.

27 / 114

Overview

Surah An-Naml derives its name from the ant whose conversation with its fellow ants was overheard and understood by Sulayman (Solomon). The surah narrates the stories of Musa, Sulayman (including the famous account of the Queen of Sheba and the hoopoe bird), Salih, and Lut. It contains the only occurrence in the Quran of the full phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" as part of a letter, written by Sulayman to the Queen of Sheba.

أسباب النزول

Occasion of Revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul)

Revealed in the middle Makkan period. The stories of prophets who wielded power (particularly Sulayman as a king-prophet) were consoling to the Muslims who were powerless and persecuted. The detailed account of the Queen of Sheba's conversion was likely intended to show that even mighty rulers, when confronted with divine signs, submit. The verse on the hoopoe and Sulayman's letter with the Basmala was particularly emphasised.

Key Themes

Sulayman's ability to speak with animals and jinnThe Queen of Sheba and her submission to AllahThe hoopoe as a messenger between kingsMusa and the miraculous signs given to himSalih and the she-camel as a sign for ThamudThe resurrection and what the disbelievers will faceThe Quran as guidance for the believers

Notable Verses

27:30

“Indeed, it is from Sulayman, and indeed, it reads: In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”

The letter from Sulayman to the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), the only place in the Quran where the Basmala appears as part of a narrative rather than as a chapter heading. This indicates the Basmala is a mark of divine letters and sacred correspondence.