Which surahs are named after animals, and what do the names mean?

Question

Bloomtivo Academy · Accepted Answer

Seven surahs have animal names: Al-Baqarah (البقرة, the cow), Al-An’am (الأنعام, livestock), An-Nahl (النحل, the bee), An-Naml (النمل, the ant), Al-’Ankabut (العنكبوت, the spider), Al-Fil (الفيل, the elephant) and Al-’Adiyat (العاديات, the charging horses). Each name links to a story or lesson children love. Surah names are a brilliant way to learn Arabic words and Quran stories together.The seven surahsSurahArabic wordMeaningThe story or lesson2 Al-BaqarahبَقَرَةcowThe Children of Israel were told to sacrifice a cow and kept asking questions6 Al-An’amأَنْعَامlivestockAllah’s blessings in animals we use16 An-NahlنَحْلbeesAllah inspired the bee; honey is healing27 An-NamlنَمْلantsAn ant warned the others about Prophet Sulayman’s army29 Al-’AnkabutعَنْكَبُوتspiderRelying on other than Allah is as weak as a spider’s web105 Al-FilفِيلelephantAllah protected the Ka’bah from an army with elephants100 Al-’Adiyatعَادِيَاتcharging horsesHorses running fast, sparks flyingA favourite: the antAn ant said: “Ants, enter your homes so that Sulayman and his soldiers do not crush you without noticing” (Quran 27:18). Sulayman smiled and thanked Allah. Children love that he understood the ant.ActivitiesDraw each animal with its Arabic name.Find each surah in the Mushaf using the surah list.Watch bees or ants in the garden and recall the verses.Teacher’s tip: ask “Which surah is named after the animal that makes honey?” Quiz questions like this build both Arabic and Quran knowledge.Related: Animal names in Arabic.

Surah	Arabic word	Meaning	The story or lesson
2 Al-Baqarah	بَقَرَة	cow	The Children of Israel were told to sacrifice a cow and kept asking questions
6 Al-An’am	أَنْعَام	livestock	Allah’s blessings in animals we use
16 An-Nahl	نَحْل	bees	Allah inspired the bee; honey is healing
27 An-Naml	نَمْل	ants	An ant warned the others about Prophet Sulayman’s army
29 Al-’Ankabut	عَنْكَبُوت	spider	Relying on other than Allah is as weak as a spider’s web
105 Al-Fil	فِيل	elephant	Allah protected the Ka’bah from an army with elephants
100 Al-’Adiyat	عَادِيَات	charging horses	Horses running fast, sparks flying

Which surahs are named after animals, and what do the names mean?

The seven surahs

A favourite: the ant

Activities

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