Surah Name: Adh-Dhariyat (سورة الذاريات)
Translation: The Winnowing Winds
Origin of name: The surah is named after the word "Adh-Dhariyat," meaning "the winds that scatter," which appears in the first verse.
Surah Number: 51
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 60
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the middle period of the Makkan phase of Prophethood
Historical Context
Surah Adh-Dhariyat was revealed in the middle of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission in Makkah. During this period, the early Muslim community faced significant opposition, mockery, and denial from the Quraysh leaders and other disbelievers. The society at that time was deeply rooted in tribalism and idol worship, and the idea of resurrection and life after death was strongly rejected by many.
This surah came at a time when the Prophet and the believers were calling people to the oneness of God (Tawheed), belief in the Hereafter, and acceptance of the Prophet’s message. However, the deniers would make fun of these beliefs, especially mocking the idea of a Day of Judgment. They demanded signs and asked sarcastic questions about when the promised punishment would come.
During this phase, the Prophet received surahs such as Adh-Dhariyat that reassured him, affirmed the truth of the message, and reminded people of the fate of earlier nations who rejected their prophets. References to the destruction of past communities such as those of Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, and Pharaoh were particularly powerful warnings to the Quraysh.
The surah fits within a group of revelations aimed at strengthening the Prophet’s resolve in the face of constant resistance and denial. It directed him to remain focused on conveying the message, regardless of the persistent disbelief around him. As evident in verses from this period, emphasis was also placed on the natural world—such as the skies, winds, rain, and creation—to highlight the power and greatness of Allah.
Additionally, Surah Adh-Dhariyat is among the surahs that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have recited during his night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl) in a single rak‘ah alongside Surah At-Tur. Just as he would pair Surahs Ar-Rahman and An-Najm or Al-Muzzammil and Al-Muddathir in one rak‘ah, he would also recite Adh-Dhariyat together with At-Tur. [1][2][3]
References:
[1] al-Bukhārī, “Adhān”, 106
[2] al-Tirmidhī, “Jumu‘ah”, 69
[3] Ibrāhīm ʿAlī al-Sayyid ʿAlī ʿĪsā, pp. 306–308, 318
Main Themes
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Affirmation of the Afterlife:
The surah opens with oaths by natural phenomena like winds, clouds, and ships to confirm that the Day of Judgment is real. These signs in nature point to divine order and remind humans that accountability is inevitable. -
Signs of God’s Power in Creation:
Throughout the surah, nature—such as the sky, earth, and pairs of created things—is used to illustrate Allah’s power, wisdom, and the truth of His existence. These serve as reminders for those willing to reflect. -
Warning to Disbelievers:
The fate of past nations—like the people of Nuh, ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh—is presented as proof of the consequences awaiting those who deny God's messengers. Their destruction serves as a warning to current and future deniers. -
Qualities of the Righteous:
Righteous believers are described as those who consistently do good deeds, pray at night, seek forgiveness, and share their wealth with the needy. These behaviors reflect true faith and lead to divine rewards. -
Prophetic Mission and Human Free Will:
The Prophet is reminded not to be disheartened by rejection. His mission is to deliver the message, but guidance is only for those whose hearts are open. The surah reassures the Prophet that previous messengers also faced ridicule and denial. -
Purpose of Creation:
A central verse declares that humans and jinn were created solely to worship Allah. Worship here includes recognizing, knowing, and obeying Him—expressing the ultimate purpose of life. -
Allah's Independence and Provision:
God does not need provision or worship from humans; rather, He is the one who provides sustenance for all. Worship benefits the worshipers, not the Creator. -
Inevitable Justice:
The surah ends by warning that those who commit disbelief and injustice will face consequences both in this world and the next, just like the arrogant rejecters before them.
Key Lessons from Surah Adh-Dhariyat
- The Day of Judgment is real and will surely come, just like the natural laws in creation.
- Signs in nature prove Allah’s power, unity, and control over the universe.
- True believers are known by their constant good deeds, night prayers, repentance, and charity.
- Every soul is created to worship Allah alone; this is our main purpose in life.
- Allah does not need anything from humans, but humans need Him for all things.
- Reminders and warnings are only useful to those whose hearts are open to the truth.
- Everything in creation is made in pairs, pointing to the wisdom and balance in Allah’s design.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Adh-Dhariyat
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Verse 1-6:
"By the winds scattering ˹dust˺, and ˹the clouds˺ loaded with rain, and ˹the ships˺ gliding with ease, and ˹the angels˺ administering affairs by ˹Allah’s˺ command! Indeed, what you are promised is true. And the Judgment will certainly come to pass."
A powerful oath affirming the reality of the Day of Judgment. -
Verse 15-19:
"Indeed, the righteous will be amid Gardens and springs, ˹joyfully˺ receiving what their Lord will grant them. Before this ˹reward˺ they were truly good-doers ˹in the world˺: they used to sleep only little in the night, and pray for forgiveness before dawn. And in their wealth there was a rightful share ˹fulfilled˺ for the beggar and the poor."
A detailed description of the righteous and their noble qualities. -
Verse 20-21:
"There are ˹countless˺ signs on earth for those with sure faith, as there are within yourselves. Can you not see?"
A reminder that both nature and the human contain signs for those who reflect. -
Verse 31-34:
"˹Later,˺ Abraham asked, “What is your mission, O messenger-angels?” They replied, “We have actually been sent to a wicked people, to send upon them stones of ˹baked˺ clay, marked by your Lord for the transgressors."
The account of the punishment sent to the people of Prophet Lût (Sodom & Gomorrah). -
Verse 47:
"We built the universe with ˹great˺ might, and We are certainly expanding ˹it˺."
A reference to the creation and expansion of the universe, emphasizing divine power. -
Verse 51:
"And do not set up another god with Allah. I am truly sent by Him with a clear warning to you."
A direct call to uphold pure monotheism and recognize the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). -
Verse 56:
"I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me."
A central verse clarifying the purpose of human and jinn existence is worshiping Allah. -
Verse 57-58:
I seek no provision from them, nor do I need them to feed Me. Indeed, Allah ˹alone˺ is the Supreme Provider—Lord of all Power, Ever Mighty."
Allah is free of all needs and is the sole sustainer of all creation.
Scientific Miracle in Surah Adh-Dhariyat
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Verse 47:
"We built the universe with ˹great˺ might, and We are certainly expanding ˹it˺."This verse, revealed over 1400 years ago, refers directly to the ongoing expansion of the universe—a phenomenon only discovered by scientists in the 20th century. This insight supports the belief that the Qur'an originates from the Creator of the universe, who is fully aware of its nature and processes.
Learn more about this scientific miracle here: Big Bang Theory and the Expanding Universe
