Read Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds) with English translation and insightful comments. Discover its message on the power of Allah, reminders of past nations, resurrection, and the purpose of creation. Ideal for readers seeking Surah Adh-Dhariyat translation, meaning, and reflections on divine signs and accountability.
Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat (The Scattering Winds)
Adh-Dhariyat: Introduction
This is a Makkan Surah of 60 verses. It takes its name from the opening oath where Allah swears by the winds that scatter dust and clouds. The Surah focuses on several important themes: the certainty of the Day of Judgment, the truth of Allah’s promise, and the reward of the righteous versus the punishment of the wicked. It also reminds us of Allah’s power shown in creation, the sending of prophets, and the destruction of past nations who rejected the truth.
The Surah moves between scenes of nature, past history, and the coming Day of Judgment to show that Allah’s message is consistent and undeniable. It also makes a powerful declaration in verse 56 about the purpose of human and jinn creation—solely to worship Allah.
Adh-Dhariyat (The Scattering Winds): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. By the winds that scatter dust far and wide,
2. and by the clouds that carry heavy loads of water,
3. and by the ships that move swiftly,
4.and by the angels who arrange matters according to Allah’s command—
5. surely, what you are promised is true.
6. And indeed, the judgment will surely come to pass.
7. By the heaven full of pathways,
8. you differ in what you say.
9. Whoever turns away from the truth is turned away because he is deceived.
10. Ruin be to the liars—
11. those who are lost in ignorance and negligence.
12. They ask, “When will the Day of Judgment be?”
13. On that Day, they will be burned in the Fire.
14. “Taste your punishment! This is what you were rushing to see.”
15. Surely, those who are mindful of Allah will be in gardens and springs,
16. enjoying whatever their Lord has given them, because before this, they used to do good.
17. They used to sleep only a little at night,
18. and in the early hours of dawn, they would ask Allah for forgiveness.
19. And in their wealth, there was a rightful share for the beggar and the deprived.
20. And on the earth, there are signs for those who have certainty of faith,
21. and also within yourselves—do you not see?
22. In the heaven is your provision and what you are promised.
23. So, by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is surely true—just as sure as the fact that you speak.
24. Has the story reached you of the honoured guests of Ibrahim?
25. When they came to him and said, “Peace,” he replied, “Peace—strangers indeed.”
26. Then he slipped away to his family and brought a roasted calf.
27. He placed it before them and said, “Will you not eat?”
28. Then he felt some fear of them. They said, “Do not be afraid,” and gave him good news of a knowledgeable son.
29. Then his wife came forward, crying out, and struck her face, saying, “I am an old barren woman!”
30. They said, “This is what your Lord has said. He is indeed the All-Wise, the All-Knowing.”
31. Ibrahim asked, “So, what is your mission, O messengers?”
32. They replied, “We have been sent to a people who are guilty of sin,
33. to send down stones of baked clay upon them,
24. marked from your Lord for those who exceed all limits.”
35. So We brought out from that city the believers who were there.
36. But We did not find in it any except one household of Muslims.
37. And We left in it a sign for those who fear a painful punishment.
38. And in Musa was another sign, when We sent him to Pharaoh with clear authority.
39. But he turned away along with his supporters, saying, “A sorcerer, or one who is mad.”
40. So We seized him and his forces, and threw them into the sea, while he was blameworthy.
41. And in the people of ‘Ad was another sign, when We sent upon them the devastating wind.
42. It left nothing it came upon without turning it into ruins.
43. And in the people of Thamud was another sign, when they were told, “Enjoy yourselves for a while.”
44. But they rebelled against the command of their Lord, so the thunderbolt seized them while they were looking on.
45. Then they were unable to stand, nor could they defend themselves.
46. And before them, the people of Nuh—when they disobeyed, We drowned them, for they were people of sin.
47. And We built the heaven with great power, and surely, We are expanding it.
48. And We spread out the earth—how perfectly We prepared it!
49. And of everything We created pairs, so that you may take heed.
50. So flee to Allah! Indeed, I am a clear warner to you from Him.
51. And do not set up with Allah any other god. Indeed, I am a clear warner to you from Him.
52. Similarly, no messenger came to those before them except that they said, “A sorcerer, or one who is mad.”
53. Did they pass this saying on to each other? No! Rather, they are a people who rebel.
54. So turn away from them, for you are not to be blamed.
55. And keep reminding, for surely, reminding benefits the believers.
56. I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
57. I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me.
58. Surely, Allah is the Provider, the Lord of Power, the Strong.
59. And for those who do wrong, their share will be like the share of their predecessors—so let them not rush Me.
60. So woe to those who disbelieve, from the Day they are promised. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Adh-Dhariyat opens with a series of oaths by the winds, clouds, ships, and angels. These natural and unseen forces remind us of Allah’s control over the universe and lead to the central statement: what Allah has promised—resurrection and judgment—is absolutely true.
The Surah contrasts the fate of the disbelievers, who mock and doubt the Day, with the bliss of the righteous, who used to pray at night, seek forgiveness at dawn, and share their wealth with the needy. This is a reminder that true faith is shown in daily actions.
Historical examples follow: Prophet Ibrahim’s guests (angels) bringing news and delivering punishment to the sinful people of Lot; the destruction of ‘Ad, Thamud, Pharaoh, and the people of Nuh—all showing that rejection of truth brings inevitable ruin.
Towards the end, Allah points to His creation of the heavens, earth, and all living pairs as signs for reflection. The clear command is given: “So flee to Allah!”—meaning, turn to Him in repentance and obedience before it is too late.
The Surah ends with a profound statement of purpose: Allah created jinn and humans only to worship Him, and He is not in need of their sustenance. He is the Provider and the Strong, while those who disbelieve are warned of the Day they are promised.
This Surah, in short, is a call to wake up from heedlessness, to see the signs in nature and history, and to fulfill the very purpose for which we were created—worship and obedience to Allah. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat
1. What is Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat about?
Surah Adh-Dhariyat discusses the power of Allah shown through winds, rain, and creation. It emphasizes resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and the fate of past nations who denied their prophets. It also highlights the ultimate purpose of creation: to worship Allah.
2. Why is Surah 51 called Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds)?
The Surah is named Adh-Dhariyat, meaning “The Winnowing Winds,” because it begins with an oath by the winds that scatter dust. This symbolizes Allah’s control over nature and His power to carry out His will.
3. What is the main theme of Surah Adh-Dhariyat?
The main theme of Surah Adh-Dhariyat is accountability before Allah. It reminds people that the Hereafter is real, and those who reject faith will face consequences, while the righteous will be rewarded in Paradise.
4. Where was Surah 51 revealed?
Surah Adh-Dhariyat was revealed in Makkah, making it a Makkan Surah. Like other Makkan chapters, it focuses on faith, resurrection, and reminders of Allah’s signs in creation and history.
5. How many verses are in Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat?
Surah Adh-Dhariyat has 60 verses. These verses are short, rhythmic, and powerful, aiming to awaken reflection on life, death, and the purpose of existence.
6. What historical examples are mentioned in Surah Adh-Dhariyat?
The Surah mentions the destruction of past nations such as the people of Pharaoh, ‘Ad, Thamud, and the people of Noah. These examples remind us of the consequences of denying divine guidance.
7. What does Surah Adh-Dhariyat say about the purpose of life?
One of the most famous verses in this Surah states: “I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” This highlights that the ultimate purpose of human life is to recognize, worship, and serve Allah.
8. How does Surah 51 describe Allah’s power in creation?
Surah Adh-Dhariyat draws attention to the heavens, the earth, rain, and the winds as signs of Allah’s power. These natural processes remind humans of His control, ability to resurrect, and justice on the Day of Judgment.
9. What lesson can Muslims take from Surah Adh-Dhariyat?
Muslims learn to stay mindful of their purpose in life, remain steadfast in worship, and prepare for accountability. The Surah teaches that ignoring faith leads to destruction, while devotion brings eternal success.
10. How can reciting Surah 51: Adh-Dhariyat benefit a believer?
Reciting Surah Adh-Dhariyat increases awareness of life’s true purpose and strengthens faith in resurrection. It inspires believers to focus on worship, avoid arrogance, and live a life of obedience to Allah. 0 0 0
