نحل

Core meaning

The attribution remitted as a matter of right, without its beneficiary having to claim it; the same radical names the bee.

Uses

1. نِحْلَة → "attribution of full right" : the mode of giving the dowry: a due remitted on one's own initiative, not a favour to be solicited.

   • «وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ صَدُقَٰتِهِنَّ نِحْلَةًۭ» — "And give women their dowries, as an attribution of full right" (4:4)

2. ٱلنَّحْل → "the bee" : name of the insect, which gives its name to the sura.

   • «وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحْلِ» — "And your Guardian inspired the bee" (16:68)

Evidence from the text

The imperative "give" sets the obligation; نِحْلَة qualifies its mode: the dowry is remitted as a matter of right, without negotiation or claim (4:4). The word صَدُقَات, from the root of truthfulness, makes the dowry the owed proof of a sincere commitment, not a bargained price.

The link with the bee, which acts on the inspiration received from its Guardian (16:68), remains a lead: نِحْلَة occurs only once, and nothing in the text allows a shared sense beyond the radical to be established.

See also

صدق (truthfulness: the dowry, صَدُقَة, is its pledge)