This drink is 'healthy'

We will dedicate this discussion to a unique verse of the Quran that establishes a profound dialogue between humanity and the natural world. This verse is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:68-69), where it is said: “And your Lord commanded the bee: ‘Make nests in the mountains and trees and in the lofty places that man has made. Then eat of all fruits and follow the paths of your Lord. From their bellies comes a drink, in which is healing for mankind. Indeed, in this are signs for a people who reflect.”

The bee mentioned in this verse is not just a description of nature—it is a presentation of a complex biological process, where Allah directly instructs the bee, shows it the way, and describes its action as a source of ‘healing’ or treatment. When modern science began to study the structure of bees and honey, they were amazed at the specificity and truthfulness of this verse. The Quran here highlights three main aspects of bee biology: habitat, food gathering and honey production and finally the medicinal properties of honey.

If we first talk about the habitat of bees, the Quran presents a surprisingly balanced description. It says, “Make your nests in the mountains, in the trees and in the high places made by man.” Modern entomology says that bees build their nests in a variety of places in nature—in tree hollows, in rock caves, and even in man-made structures. This is based on the variety of environments and the species of bee. For example, some bees build hanging hives in the open, while others live underground, in tree branches or in the crevices of buildings. Today’s environmental research shows that the type of place that bees choose for their shelter is not a random choice; rather, it depends on environmental temperature, humidity, the threat of predators and the abundance of food supplies. In light of these considerations, the Quran clearly identifies three places, which are a true reflection of the life of bees.

Then the Quran says, “Eat from all fruits”—this is not just a source of honey, but also an important biological process like pollination. When bees collect pollen from different flowers, they transfer pollen grains from one flower to another. This process is essential for plant reproduction. Modern agricultural science says that about one-third of the world’s food crops depend on bee pollination. Even food crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, apples, nuts, etc. cannot be produced without the cooperation of bees. Yet this verse of the Quran, without directly saying so, perfectly supports this biological cycle.

Then if we look at the most important and surprising part of the verse—“a drink comes out of their bellies”—we all know that this is honey. But the Quran says that this drink carries ‘healing’ or ‘healing’. Modern medical science has now conducted extensive research on the various medicinal properties of honey, and every study has supported the Quranic statement. Honey contains natural antibiotic ingredients that help fight germs. It contains elements like hydrogen peroxide, gluconic acid, antioxidants, vitamin B complex, magnesium and potassium—which increase the body’s immunity.

Honey has its magical effects, especially when it comes to wound healing. Honey was used in ancient Egypt and in some cases in modern hospitals today to dry infected wounds. Even recent medical research has shown that honey from a special species of bee called Manuka is effective against several bacteria—such as MRSA, which develops resistance to other antibiotics.

But the most surprising part is that when the Quran says “from their bellies”—it refers to the internal physiology of bees, which was beyond the thinking of people at that time. We know today that bees have a separate organ in their bodies called the honey stomach. This is a separate pouch where nectar from flowers is stored, and here it is gradually transformed into honey through some biochemical reactions. Then, when the bee returns to its hive, it extracts the nectar and, with the help of other bees, stores it in special cells and dries it in heat and air to turn it into honey. This biological process is so complex and organized that it is almost impossible to imitate it exactly even with a man-made industrial technology.

However, in addition to science, there is spiritual depth in this verse. The Quran says, “Your Lord commanded the bee”—this choice of words implies that the bee’s movement, building a nest, gathering food, or producing honey—all are the result of a specific plan and direction. Today, when we talk about modern zoology, we understand that the bee society operates through an amazing intellectual structure. They include the division of labor, the rules of the queen bee, and even a system of communication through signals (called the waggle dance)—through which they communicate the location and distance of flowers to others.

The Quran clearly indicates this order and guidance. This means that animals not only live, but also move according to a complete law. Allah has not only instructed humans, but also guided animals and birds, according to their characteristics. And when this scientific truth is woven into the verses of the Quran in such a way, it is not just a religious line, but becomes a scientific and spiritual reflection.

Finally, when the Quran describes nature, it is not just for beauty—it is a call to understanding. At the end of this verse, Allah says, “In this are signs for a people who reflect.” That is, for those who want to understand, to know, to think deeply—for them, each creation-verse of the Quran is like a window that opens up the vast ocean of the Creator’s knowledge.