Surah Al-An'am; A Comprehensive Declaration on Islamic Sharia, Belief
The word “an’am” refers to farm animals. This surah contains 165 verses and is situated in the 7th and 8th Juzes of the Quran. Surah Al-An’am is the 55th surah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and has come down in Mecca. The surahs that the Prophet (PBUH) received in Mecca bear more reference to the principles of Islam including Tawhid, Nubuwwat, and Ma’ad.
This is among surahs that all of its verses have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at once. This is also among the so-called ‘Hamidat Surahs’ as it starts with ‘hamd’ or praising of Allah.
The reason behind its name is that the Surah refers to farm animals such as cows, sheep, camels, and goats in 15 verses.
The main aim of the surah is to prove Tawhid or the oneness of God Almighty. Accordingly, it refers to the story of the dialogue of Abraham with infidels about the futile nature of worshiping stars, moon, and sun. Elsewhere in the Surah, it is mentioned that God Almighty accepts Abraham’s request about bestowing prophethood to his son and grandsons, and accordingly, the surah contains the name of 17 prophets as the most comprehensive surah in this regard. The Quran then addresses Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the successor of all divine prophets and asks him to announce that Islam has no national or ethnic aspect as all the world is its audience.
Surah Al-An’am is the comprehensive declaration of Islamic belief and Sharia. One can all over the surah find answers to suspicions raised by the opposition. The word “Qol” meaning “say” has been repeated 44 times in this chapter which highlights the confrontation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with questions and suspicions posed by the infidels. The surah demonstrates the constant effort of the Quran to modify man’s beliefs, especially those about divinity and worship.
