Surah An-Nahl 16:90
سُورَةُ النَّحۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 90 of 128
۞ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
Translation
God commands justice, doing good, and generosity towards relatives and He forbids what is shameful, blameworthy, and oppressive. He teaches you, so that you may take heed.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse from Surah An-Nahl (The Bees) stands as a cornerstone of Islamic teachings, acting as a concise summary of the Quran's moral and ethical framework. It immediately follows the statement that the Quran is a clear explanation for everything, setting the stage for these fundamental principles. Allah Himself, as the Speaker, directly addresses all of His servants, particularly believers, with a foundational set of commands and prohibitions, delivered in a tone of earnest counsel. The opening with "إنّ الله" (Indeed, Allah) emphasizes the immense importance and truthfulness of what is about to be revealed.
Allah's Commands
The verse begins by stating what Allah "يَأْمُرُ" (commands): "بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ" (justice, excellence, and giving to kin). The word order itself holds deep meaning. `Adl` (justice) is mentioned first because it is the fundamental obligation upon which all other virtues are built. Scholars like al-Razi explain `adl as a middle path, ensuring balance in belief (like affirming Allah's Oneness without anthropomorphism) and in actions (avoiding extremes). Ibn Ashur defines it as giving everyone their due right, whether it's Allah's right to be worshipped or people's rights in society.
Following `adl is `Ihsan` (excellence or goodness). While `adl is the baseline of fairness, `ihsan goes a step further, urging us to do more than what is strictly required, to act with beauty and perfection. Al-Zamakhshari notes that `adl is obligatory, while `ihsan is recommended, but both are commanded because `ihsan can mend any shortcomings in our performance of `adl. The Prophet Muhammad explained `ihsan as "worshipping Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you," highlighting a profound level of awareness and devotion.
Finally, among the commands, the verse specifies `Itaa'i dhil-qurba` (giving to kin). This is a particular act of `ihsan and `adl that is highlighted due to its special importance. Ibn Ashur points out that people often neglect their close relatives, tending to focus generosity on outsiders for public praise. By explicitly mentioning this, the Quran brings attention back to the essential bonds of family, emphasizing that our closest relations have the first claim to our justice and kindness.
Allah's Prohibitions
The second part of the verse details what Allah "وَيَنْهَىٰ" (forbids): "عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ" (indecency, reprehensible acts, and oppression).
`Al-Fahshaa'` (indecency or atrocity) encompasses grave sins that are inherently repulsive, like adultery (as mentioned by al-Jalalayn and al-Razi) or anything that corrupts the individual or society, from false beliefs to acts of violence and theft.
Next is `Al-Munkar` (reprehensible acts), which refers to anything disapproved of by sound reason and Islamic law. Al-Razi connects it to uncontrolled anger leading to harm. It covers a broad range of forbidden actions and statements, from serious sins to disliked behaviors.
Finally, `Al-Baghy` (oppression or transgression) is singled out for emphasis, despite being included in the general categories of *fahshaa'* and *munkar*. This highlights its severity and widespread nature. Ibn Ashur notes that it involves exceeding bounds in dealings, whether unprovoked aggression or excessive retaliation. Its specific mention serves as a strong warning against the injustice of dominating others, a vice particularly prevalent in many societies.
A Deep Admonition
The verse concludes with "يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ" (He admonishes you, so that you may take heed). The word "يَعِظُكُمْ" (He admonishes you) signifies that these are not mere rules but profound counsel from your Creator, intended to guide you to what is best. The phrase "لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ" (so that you may take heed or remember) expresses the divine purpose: that you recall and internalize these timeless truths. It suggests these principles resonate with our innate human conscience, and Allah’s words serve to awaken that remembrance within us, prompting us to live by them.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nahl 16:90 is discussed in 22 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
- Justice (Adl) (key verse)
- Social Relations (Alaqat Ijtima'iyyah) (key verse)
- Fairness (Insaf)
- Unlawful Intercourse (Zina)
- Abominations (Fawahish)
- Excellence (Ihsan)
- Dire Necessity (Idtirar)
- Trustworthiness (Amanah)
- Command (Amr)
- Empowerment (Tamkin)
- Change (Taghyir)
- Grief (Huzn)
- Dialogue (Hiwar)
- Usury (Riba)
- Fitnah
- Moderation (Wasatiyyah)
- Governance (Siyasah)
- Injustice (Zulm)
- Society (Mujtama')
- Worship (Ibadah)
- Pledges (Ahd)
- Foreign Relations (Alaqat Dawliyyah)
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nahl 16:90 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.