Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle)

Surah Al-An'am is the sixth chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 165 ayahs. Unlike the preceding long Medinan chapters, its focus is on foundational belief rather than detailed legislation. Its central theme is the oneness of God (tawhid): it presents sustained arguments for a single Creator, drawing on the signs of creation, the heavens and earth, and the natural world as evidence. The surah engages the objections of those who rejected the message in Mecca, responds to idolatry, and affirms prophethood, revelation, and the reality of resurrection and accountability. It recalls a lineage of earlier prophets as examples of guidance and steadfastness. Toward its close it addresses false customs surrounding cattle and offerings, from which it takes its name, and sets out core moral principles. It is traditionally described as revealed largely at once, and is celebrated for its powerful affirmation of monotheism.