Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt
سورۃ الذاریات
Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt was revealed in Makkah al-Mukarrama. It has 60 verses and 3 rukūʿs.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.
وَالذَّارِيَاتِ ذَرْوًا﴾ ﴿فَالْحَامِلَاتِ وِقْرًا﴾ ﴿فَالْجَارِيَاتِ يُسْرًا﴾ ﴿فَالْمُقَسِّمَاتِ أَمْرًا
wa-l-dhāriyāti dharwā — fa-l-ḥāmilāti wiqrā — fa-l-jāriyāti yusrā — fa-l-muqassimāti amrā.
"By the scattering winds that scatter — and the burden-bearing clouds — and the ships sailing with ease — and the angels distributing the command." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:1–4)
Wa-l-dhāriyātu — the oath is being sworn — the winds that scatter dust and raise it up and blow. Dharwān — scattering, blowing — these are winds. Fa-l-ḥāmilātu wiqrān — the burden-carrying (winds) that carry heavy loads — rain-bearing clouds. Fa-l-jāriyāti yusrān — then the gently running winds — ships sailing gently. Fa-l-muqassimātu amrān — then the distributors of affairs — distributing the command. Some say rīḥ (wind) is one thing and jāriya (running) another — look at these winds: they begin first as a gentle breeze, then become breezes, then come rains from them — these breezes distribute everything in the world. This world is like a small speck of dust — and everything is interconnected in it. There is nothing in this world without order.
Translation: "(I take oath) by the scattering winds that scatter with great force — and the clouds that are raised with heavy loads and are then carried gently step by step — then every thing in the world is distributed."
إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَصَادِقٌ
innamā tūʿadūna la-ṣādiq.
"What you are promised is indeed true." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:5)
Innamā tūʿadūna — indeed the thing you are promised is. La-ṣādiqun — certainly true, certainly real.
Translation: "What you are promised (the Day of Resurrection) is certainly true."
وَإِنَّ الدِّينَ لَوَاقِعٌ
wa-inna l-dīna la-wāqiʿ.
"And indeed the Reckoning is certainly to occur." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:6)
Wa-inna l-dīna la-wāqiʿun — and indeed the Judgement, the recompense of deeds, will certainly come to pass. Al-dīn means retribution and recompense.
Translation: "And certainly the Day of Reckoning (and recompense) is certainly to come."
وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الْحُبُكِ
wa-l-samāʾi dhāti l-ḥubuk.
"By the sky full of pathways." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:7)
Wa-l-samāʾi — and by the sky. Dhāti l-ḥubuki — possessing paths — ḥubuk means pathways of stars. Every star has a path — Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury — all have paths. They are all on paths of their own orbits.
Translation: "And by the sky full of pathways (the stars have a net of interwoven paths)."
إِنَّكُمْ لَفِي قَوْلٍ مُّخْتَلِفٍ﴾ ﴿يُؤْفَكُ عَنْهُ مَنْ أُفِكَ
innakum la-fī qawlin mukhtalifin — yuʾfaku ʿanhu man ufik.
"Indeed you are in conflicting opinions — turned away from it is he who is turned away." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:8–9)
Innakum — you are certainly. La-fī qawlin mukhtalifin — in various different, conflicting views — some say there is a Hereafter and retribution, some say there is not. Yuʾfaku ʿanhu man ufika — turned away from it is whoever is astray — from divine blessing the one who goes astray is deprived.
Translation: "(Your) various views on recompense and the Hereafter are mere foolish words. Whoever has been turned away from it is deprived of divine blessing (the one going astray)."
قُتِلَ الْخَرَّاصُونَ﴾ ﴿الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي غَمْرَةٍ سَاهُونَ﴾ ﴿يَسْأَلُونَ أَيَّانَ يَوْمُ الدِّينِ
qutila l-kharrāṣūn — alladhīna hum fī ghamratin sāhūn — yasʾalūna ayyāna yawmu l-dīn.
"Woe to the guessers — those who are plunged in heedlessness, unmindful — who ask: when is the Day of Judgement?" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:10–12)
Qutila — may they be destroyed. Al-kharrāṣūna — those who lie, make things up without grounds. Alladhīna hum — they are those. Fī ghamratin sāhūna — plunged in heedlessness — those who are plunged in the depths of heedlessness — sāhūna — negligent. Yasʾalūna — asking. Ayyāna yawmu l-dīni — when is the Day of Reckoning?
Translation: "These people who make up false assertions — plunged in heedlessness — forgetting the Day of Resurrection — are asking when will it come."
يَوْمَ هُمْ عَلَى النَّارِ يُفْتَنُونَ
yawma hum ʿalā l-nāri yuftanūn.
"On the Day they are burnt upon the fire." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:13)
Yawma hum — on the Day when they will be. ʿAlā l-nāri yuftanūna — they will be thrust into the fire — this burning will be their ordeal.
Translation: "On the Day these people will be thrown into the fire."
ذُوقُوا فِتْنَتَكُمْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي كُنتُم بِهِ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ
dhūqū fitnatakum hādhā lladhī kuntum bihi tastaʿjilūn.
"Taste your punishment — this is what you were hastening!" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:14)
Dhūqū — now taste. Fitnatakum — your ordeal — the testing — they will be told in the fire. Hādhā lladhī — this is what. Kuntum bihi tastaʿjilūna — you were hastening for — this is the very thing you used to demand hastily.
Translation: "Now taste the ordeal — this is the very thing you used to demand so hastily."
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ
inna l-muttaqīna fī jannātin wa-ʿuyūn.
"Indeed the God-fearing shall be in gardens and fountains." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:15)
Inna l-muttaqīna — indeed the God-fearing, the pious. Fī jannātin wa-ʿuyūnin — in gardens and fountains — their place will be in gardens and springs.
Translation: "Indeed the God-fearing will be in gardens and fountains."
آخِذِينَ مَا آتَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ
ākhidhīna mā ātāhum rabbuhum innahum kānū qabla dhālika muḥsinīn.
"Receiving what their Lord has given them — indeed before that they were among the doers of good." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:16)
Ākhidhīna mā ātāhum rabbuhum — receiving all that their Lord has given them. Innahum kānū qabla dhālika muḥsinīna — indeed they were, before this state, doers of good — before the Day of Resurrection they were people of excellent and good deeds in this world.
Translation: "Those who will receive all that their Lord has given them — because they were people of excellent deeds before this."
كَانُوا قَلِيلًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ
kānū qalīlan mina l-layli mā yahjaʿūn.
"They used to sleep little at night." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:17)
Kānū qalīlan — they were very little. Mina l-layli mā yahjaʿūna — the night they slept — they slept very little.
Translation: "They used to sleep very little at night."
وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ
wa-bi-l-asḥāri hum yastaghfirūn.
"And in the pre-dawn hours they would seek forgiveness." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:18)
Wa-bi-l-asḥāri — and in the pre-dawn hours. Hum yastaghfirūna — they would seek forgiveness — they would pray, asking for forgiveness for their sins.
Translation: "And in the pre-dawn hours they would seek forgiveness."
وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ
wa-fī amwālihim ḥaqqun li-l-sāʾili wa-l-maḥrūm.
"And in their wealth there was a due share for the one who asks and for the one who is deprived." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:19)
Wa-fī amwālihim ḥaqqun — and in their wealth there was a due share. Li-l-sāʾili wa-l-maḥrūmi — for the one who asks and for those who do not ask but are deprived — they would give to those who asked and those who quietly did not ask but were in need.
Translation: "And in their wealth was a due portion for the one who asks and for the one who is deprived."
وَفِي الْأَرْضِ آيَاتٌ لِّلْمُوقِنِينَ
wa-fī l-arḍi āyātun li-l-mūqinīn.
"And in the earth there are signs for those of sure faith." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:20)
Wa-fī l-arḍi āyātun — and on the earth are signs. Li-l-mūqinīna — for those who are certain in faith.
Translation: "And in the earth there are (thousands of) signs for those who are certain in faith."
وَفِي أَنفُسِكُمْ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ
wa-fī anfusikum a-fa-lā tubṣirūn.
"And in your own selves — do you not see?" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:21)
Wa-fī anfusikum — and in your own selves — in you too are signs of divine power, the tajalliyāt (manifestations) of divine attributes — all the names of Allah are manifesting. A-fa-lā tubṣirūna — do you not look? Do you not see? Do you not understand?
Translation: "And in your own selves are signs of divine power (God's attributes are present as manifestations). Will you not then look with insight?"
Esteemed readers! In this world there are signs appearing everywhere — the names and attributes of divine power appearing. We call them signs (āfāqī — in the horizons). And whoever looks inward sees the signs of the Self in the Self. O human being! Reflect! Your inner life is not manifesting the divine attributes — what of you is alive? Your perception is there — your capacity for life is there — your power and will and intention are there — O servant! It is impossible — your own complete non-existence, the original non-being — but Allah's grace has completed your work, arranged your affairs — the veil of heedlessness has fallen over your eyes — O heedless one! Look!
There is a poem: Something not in me shines: (the lamp of reflections — I am in them) Open your eyes and look: the mirror's clarity — the lamp's very self is it.
Inna llāha khalaqa ādama ʿalā ṣūratihi — (God is manifest) — this world is connected by the immaterial soul to the material — and in it is His certain truth and manifestation of divine names and attributes — all things are related: everything is something — but there is nothing which can encompass the Divine Self — the Self is nearer to everything. These are intermediaries — but for relating to God there is no need for intermediary. A-fa-lā tubṣirūna — look.
وَفِي السَّمَاءِ رِزْقُكُمْ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ
wa-fī l-samāʾi rizqukum wa-mā tūʿadūn.
"And in the sky is your provision and all that you are promised." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:22)
Wa-fī l-samāʾi rizqukum — and in the sky is your sustenance — physical as well as spiritual. Wa-mā tūʿadūna — and all that you are promised — the promise of Paradise — of mercy — will all come.
Translation: "And in the sky is your sustenance and all that you have been promised (by Allah)."
فَوَرَبِّ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِنَّهُ لَحَقٌّ مِّثْلَ مَا أَنَّكُمْ تَنطِقُونَ
fa-wa-rabbi l-samāʾi wa-l-arḍi innahu la-ḥaqqun mithla mā annakum tanṭiqūn.
"By the Lord of the heaven and earth, it is certainly true — just as you yourselves speak!" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:23)
Fa-wa-rabbi l-samāʾi wa-l-arḍi — so by the Lord of the sky and the earth — the Nourisher of everything — He who raises and nourishes all. Innahu la-ḥaqqun — it is certainly truth. Mithla mā annakum tanṭiqūna — just as you yourselves speak — just as I am speaking to you (meaning it is the same truth as what you speak and I hear).
Translation: "By the Lord of the sky and earth — it is certain truth — just as surely as you yourselves speak (and I hear)."
هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ
hal atāka ḥadīthu ḍayfi ibrāhīma l-mukramīn.
"Has the story of the honoured guests of Ibrāhīm reached you?" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:24)
Hal atāka — has it reached you, come to you? Ḥadīthu ḍayfi ibrāhīma — the story of the guests of Ibrāhīm. Al-mukramīna — the honoured — the dignified, the respected.
Translation: "Has the story of the honoured guests of Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) also come to you?"
إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ
idh dakhalū ʿalayhi fa-qālū salāman qāla salāmun qawmun munkarūn.
"When they entered upon him and said: 'Peace!' — he said: 'Peace — you are an unknown people.'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:25)
Idh dakhalū ʿalayhi — this is the time when those people, the guests of Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace), entered his presence. Fa-qālū salāman — those who were the angels greeted with peace. Qāla salāmun — Ibrāhīm also said peace. Qawmun munkarūna — these are unknown people — strangers.
Translation: "When those who entered upon him said 'Salām' — Ibrāhīm replied 'Salām' — but these are unfamiliar people to me."
فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ
fa-rāgha ilā ahlihi fa-jāʾa bi-ʿijlin samīn.
"Then he went quietly to his family and brought a fat calf." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:26)
Fa-rāgha — then Ibrāhīm went quietly. Ilā ahlihi — to his family, his household. Fa-jāʾa bi-ʿijlin samīnin — and brought a fat, plump calf — fresh and recently slaughtered.
Translation: "He then went quietly to his family and brought (a freshly slaughtered calf) that was fat and plump."
فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ
fa-qarrabahu ilayhim qāla a-lā taʾkulūn.
"He placed it before them and said: 'Will you not eat?'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:27)
Fa-qarrabahu ilayhim — then Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) brought the calf forward to them, serving it. Qāla a-lā taʾkulūna — he said: will you not eat? — But they were angels and did not eat.
Translation: "He placed it (the slaughtered calf) before them — but the angels did not eat — and Ibrāhīm said: 'Why do you not eat?'"
فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ
fa-awjasa minhum khīfatan qālū lā takhaf wa-basharūhu bi-ghulāmin ʿalīm.
"Then he felt afraid of them. They said: 'Do not fear' — and gave him glad tidings of a knowledgeable son." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:28)
Fa-awjasa minhum khīfatan — when Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) saw that they did not eat, he felt a sense of dread — fa-awjasa means he felt an inner sensation. Minhum khīfatan — a fear from them — he feared they had come to bring some calamity. Qālū lā takhaf — the angels said: do not fear, do not be alarmed. Wa-basharūhu — and they gave him the glad tidings — happy news. Bi-ghulāmin ʿalīmin — of a boy — a son who would be a great learned person in the world — such knowledge.
Translation: "Ibrāhīm felt a sense of fear within — the angels told him not to fear — and they gave him the glad tidings of a son who will be a great learned man in the world."
فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ
fa-aqbalati mraʾatuhu fī ṣarratin fa-ṣakkat wajhahā wa-qālat ʿajūzun ʿaqīm.
"Then his wife came forward with a cry — she struck her face and said: 'An old woman, barren!'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:29)
Fa-aqbalati mraʾatuhu — then his wife came — Sāra who was with him. Fī ṣarratin — in a cry, startled. Fa-ṣakkat wajhahā — she struck her face with her own hand, with her palm. Wa-qālat ʿajūzun ʿaqīmun — an old woman — barren — "How is this possible? I am an old woman without children — I am barren — can an old woman like me give birth? Inna ālayla ʿajūzun ʿaqīmun — I, a barren old woman."
Translation: "Ibrāhīm's wife (Sāra) came out startled and struck her own face — and said she is old and barren."
قَالُوا كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ رَبُّكِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْعَلِيمُ
qālū kadhālika qāla rabbuki innahu huwa l-ḥakīmu l-ʿalīm.
"They said: 'Thus has your Lord said — indeed He is the All-Wise, the All-Knowing.'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:30)
Qālū — the angels said. Kadhālika qāla rabbuki — your Lord has said exactly this — it is so, it has been decreed thus. Innahu huwa l-ḥakīmu l-ʿalīmu — He is certainly the All-Wise — truly He is also All-Knowing — who is suited by doing what is fitting.
Translation: "The angels said — your Lord has decreed exactly this — He is certainly All-Wise and All-Knowing."
[Juzʾ 27 title page — Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt continues]
قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكُمْ أَيُّهَا الْمُرْسَلُونَ
qāla fa-mā khaṭbukum ayyuhā l-mursalūn.
"He said: 'What then is your errand, O messengers?'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:31)
Qāla — Ibrāhīm said. Fa-mā khaṭbukum — so what is your purpose? What is your business? Ayyuhā l-mursalūna — O messengers of Allah — O Allah's sent angels!
Translation: "(Ibrāhīm) said: 'What is your purpose then — O angels sent by Allah!'"
قَالُوا إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمٍ مُّجْرِمِينَ
qālū innā ursilnā ilā qawmin mujrimīn.
"They said: 'Indeed we have been sent to a criminal people.'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:32)
Qālū — the angels said. Innā ursilnā — we have been sent. Ilā qawmin mujrimīna — to a criminal people — towards a sinful and criminal community — the people of Lūṭ.
Translation: "They said: 'We have been sent towards a sinful and criminal people.'"
لِنُرْسِلَ عَلَيْهِمْ حِجَارَةً مِّن طِينٍ
li-nursilā ʿalayhim ḥijāratan min ṭīn.
"That We may send upon them stones of clay." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:33)
Li-nursilā ʿalayhim — that we will release upon them, pour upon them. Ḥijāratan min ṭīnin — stones of clay — stones that are hard-baked like clay tablets.
Translation: "That We shall rain down upon them stones of clay and punish them."
مُّسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلْمُسْرِفِينَ
musawwamatan ʿinda rabbika li-l-musrifīn.
"Marked with your Lord — for the transgressors." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:34)
Musawwamatun — marked — having names written on them — each stone has the person's name written on it. ʿInda rabbika — with your Lord — these stones have this mark from your Lord. Li-l-musrifīna — for those who transgress limits — for the transgressors.
Translation: "(These stones) are marked with the name beside your Lord — for the excessive ones."
فَأَخْرَجْنَا مَن كَانَ فِيهَا مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
fa-akhrajnā man kāna fīhā mina l-muʾminīn.
"Then We brought out all the believers who were in it." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:35)
Fa-akhrajnā — then We brought them out, extracted them. Man kāna fīhā — those who were in that town. Mina l-muʾminīna — from among the believers — those who were Muslims.
Translation: "Then We brought out of it those who were believers."
فَمَا وَجَدْنَا فِيهَا غَيْرَ بَيْتٍ مِّنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
fa-mā wajadnā fīhā ghayra baytin mina l-muslimīn.
"And We found in it no more than one household of Muslims." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:36)
Fa-mā wajadnā fīhā — and We found in it. Ghayra baytin — except one household. Mina l-muslimīna — from among the Muslims — the entire household of those who were Muslims.
Translation: "We found in it (in that town) no more than one household of the Muslims."
وَتَرَكْنَا فِيهَا آيَةً لِّلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِيمَ
wa-taraknā fīhā āyatan li-lladhīna yakhāfūna l-ʿadhāba l-alīm.
"And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:37)
Wa-taraknā fīhā āyatun — and We left a sign, an indication of divine power in that town. Li-lladhīna yakhāfūna — for those people who fear. Al-ʿadhāba l-alīma — the painful punishment — the dreadful torment, the severe punishment.
Translation: "And We left an exemplary sign (one event of warning) in it (that town) to deter those who fear the dreadful punishment."
Esteemed readers! Those two great wars (WWI and WWII) whose bombardment has not ceased — the earlier one is still going on now. Allah's punishment is certainly descending — the oppressors and the perpetrators of shameful acts are receiving punishment — yet unfortunately no one takes heed from these events — forgetting God, people do not repent — they are engaged in their tyrannical rulers' service and are enslaved to them. Come to your senses — this world is temporary and the hereafter is lasting. Come — arise! Go to your Lord, the Master — He will shelter you in His mercy. He will protect you from all afflictions.
وَفِي مُوسَىٰ إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَاهُ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ بِسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ
wa-fī mūsā idh arsalnāhu ilā firʿawna bi-sulṭānin mubīn.
"And in Mūsā too there is a sign — when We sent him to Firʿawn with a clear authority." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:38)
Wa-fī mūsā — and in the story of Mūsā also. Idh arsalnāhu — when We sent him. Ilā firʿawna — to Firʿawn. Bi-sulṭānin mubīnin — with a clear, manifest authority — with miracles.
Translation: "And in the story of Mūsā (upon him be peace) there is also a sign — when We sent him to Firʿawn with clear authority and manifest miracles."
فَتَوَلَّىٰ بِرُكْنِهِ وَقَالَ سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ
fa-tawallā bi-ruknihī wa-qāla sāḥirun aw majnūn.
"But he turned away proudly with his might and said: 'A sorcerer or a madman!'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:39)
Fa-tawallā bi-ruknihī — then Firʿawn turned away — relying on his ranks of army, his trusted state. Wa-qāla sāḥirun aw majnūnun — and he said: this is either a sorcerer or a madman.
Translation: "Then (Firʿawn) turned away relying on his army strength — and said that this is a sorcerer or a madman."
فَأَخَذْنَاهُ وَجُنُودَهُ فَنَبَذْنَاهُمْ فِي الْيَمِّ وَهُوَ مُلِيمٌ
fa-akhadhnāhu wa-junūdahu fa-nabadhnāhum fī l-yammi wa-huwa mulīm.
"So We seized him and his armies and cast them into the sea — and he was blameworthy." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:40)
Fa-akhadhnāhu wa-junūdahu — so We seized him and his armies too. Fa-nabadhnāhum fī l-yammi — then We threw them and cast them into the sea, the water. Wa-huwa mulīmun — and he was blameworthy, deserving of blame.
Translation: "So We seized him and his armies and threw them all into the sea — and he was all deserving of blame."
Esteemed readers! What a state Firʿawn was in — relying on those who gave him victory and helping himself to wealth. Thinking himself self-sufficient, imagining he had helpers and protectors — what became of him? And his army was drowned in the sea — the divine wrath arose from within. Come, look at the great history of divine power by flipping through its leaves. Open your eyes, gain insight, repent and turn to faith.
وَفِي عَادٍ إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الرِّيحَ الْعَقِيمَ
wa-fī ʿādin idh arsalnā ʿalayhimu l-rīḥa l-ʿaqīm.
"And in ʿĀd too — when We sent upon them the barren wind." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:41)
Wa-fī ʿādin — and the ʿĀd people — there is also a sign in them. Idh arsalnā ʿalayhimu — when We sent upon them. Al-rīḥa l-ʿaqīma — the barren wind — the fruitless, useless wind — a destructive wind.
Translation: "And in the story of ʿĀd (there is a sign too) — when We sent upon them the barren, utterly destructive wind."
مَا تَذَرُ مِن شَيْءٍ أَتَتْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا جَعَلَتْهُ كَالرَّمِيمِ
mā tadharu min shayʾin atat ʿalayhi illā jaʿalat-hu ka-l-ramīm.
"It left nothing upon which it came except it turned it to dust." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:42)
Mā tadharu — it did not leave. Min shayʾin — anything — not a thing. Atat ʿalayhi — which it passed over. Illā jaʿalat-hu ka-l-ramīmi — except that it made it like rotten bones — like particles — like crumbled bones.
Translation: "It (the wind) passed over everything — it turned everything into rotten, crumbled dust."
وَفِي ثَمُودَ إِذْ قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَمَتَّعُوا حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ
wa-fī thamūda idh qīla lahum tamattaʿū ḥattā ḥīn.
"And in Thamūd — when it was said to them: 'Enjoy yourselves for a while.'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:43)
Wa-fī thamūda — and the people of Thamūd — there are signs in them as well. Idh qīla lahum — when it was said to them. Tamattaʿū ḥattā ḥīnin — enjoy yourselves for a short time — come, live in comfort, rest — a short time.
Translation: "And in Thamūd (there are signs) — when it was said to them: 'Enjoy yourselves for a short while.'"
فَعَتَوْا عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِمْ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ وَهُمْ يَنظُرُونَ
fa-ʿataw ʿan amri rabbihim fa-akhadhathumu l-ṣāʿiqatu wa-hum yanẓurūn.
"But they defied the command of their Lord — then the thunderbolt seized them while they looked on." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:44)
Fa-ʿataw ʿan amri rabbihim — then they rebelled against the command of their Lord — they committed disobedience. Fa-akhadhathumu l-ṣāʿiqatu — then the thunderbolt, the great blast seized them. Wa-hum yanẓurūna — and they could see it — they watched as the punishment came upon them.
Translation: "Then they defied the command of their Lord — and the thunderbolt seized them and they watched the punishment come upon them."
فَمَا اسْتَطَاعُوا مِن قِيَامٍ وَمَا كَانُوا مُنتَصِرِينَ
fa-mā staṭāʿū min qiyāmin wa-mā kānū muntaṣirīn.
"And they were unable to rise up, and they were not able to help themselves." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:45)
Fa-mā staṭāʿū min qiyāmin — then they were unable to rise — none was able to stand. Wa-mā kānū muntaṣirīna — and they had no helper or defender — no avenger.
Translation: "None could then rise — no one was able to help them at all."
وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ مِّن قَبْلُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فَاسِقِينَ
wa-qawma nūḥin min qablu innahum kānū qawman fāsiqīn.
"And the people of Nūḥ before that — indeed they were a wicked people." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:46)
Wa-qawma nūḥin min qablu — and the people of Nūḥ (upon him be peace) before all these. Innahum kānū qawman fāsiqīna — indeed they were a disobedient, transgressing people.
Translation: "And the people of Nūḥ too (were destroyed) — indeed they were a very disobedient people."
وَالسَّمَاءَ بَنَيْنَاهَا بِأَيْدٍ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ
wa-l-samāʾa banaynāhā bi-aydin wa-innā la-mūsiʿūn.
"And the sky — We built it with power, and indeed We are expanding it." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:47)
Wa-l-samāʾa banaynāhā — and the sky — We built it. Bi-aydin — with support, with power. Wa-innā la-mūsiʿūna — and indeed We are expanding it — We who continue to open and widen everything.
Translation: "And We built the sky with great power — and We are expanding it."
وَالْأَرْضَ فَرَشْنَاهَا فَنِعْمَ الْمَاهِدُونَ
wa-l-arḍa farashnāhā fa-niʿma l-māhidūn.
"And the earth — We spread it out — how excellent are those who spread!" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:48)
Wa-l-arḍa farashnāhā — and the earth — We spread it out like a carpet. Fa-niʿma l-māhidūna — how excellent are the spreaders — We who are so excellent at the spreading.
Translation: "And the earth — We spread it out — and We are the best of those who spread."
وَمِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَا زَوْجَيْنِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
wa-min kulli shayʾin khalaqnā zawjayni laʿallakum tadhakkarūn.
"And of every thing We have created pairs — that perhaps you may remember." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:49)
Wa-min kulli shayʾin — and of every thing. Khalaqnā — We created. Zawjayni — pairs, two — male and female. Some are big, some are small; some are good, some are not; some are Muslims, some are disbelievers; some kinds of murshid, some kinds of disciple. Laʿallakum tadhakkarūna — so that you may think and reflect, accept advice.
Translation: "And We have created everything in pairs — so that you may take heed."
فَفِرُّوا إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنِّي لَكُمْ مِّنْهُ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
fa-firrū ilā llāhi innī lakum minhu nadhīrun mubīn.
"So flee towards Allah — indeed I am to you from Him a clear warner." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:50)
Fa-firrū — so flee, run. Ilā llāhi — towards Allah — turn towards Him, towards this side. Innī lakum — I am to you. Minhu — from Him, on His behalf. Nadhīrun — a warner, one who gives warning of a frightful outcome. Mubīnun — clearly, openly — one who warns of what I say. Mubīnun — clear — there is nothing hidden in my message — I cannot conceal it.
Translation: "Then flee towards Allah — I am His clear warner to you, giving you explicit warning of the terrible outcome."
Esteemed readers! You are heedless — the curtain of forgetfulness has fallen over your eyes. The world is going to ruin and the end is approaching. — You are like slaves in the collar of the world's service, and the world's owners keep running happily on. — Arise! Go towards your Master — run towards the doorstep of your Owner. He will shelter you — He will hide you under the shadow of His mercy — He will protect you from all the calamities of the world and the hereafter.
وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ إِنِّي لَكُم مِّنْهُ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
wa-lā tajʿalū maʿa llāhi ilāhan ākhara innī lakum minhu nadhīrun mubīn.
"And do not set up another deity beside Allah — indeed I am to you from Him a clear warner." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:51)
Wa-lā tajʿalū — and do not appoint, do not make. Maʿa llāhi — alongside Allah. Ilāhan ākhara — another object of worship — any other revered one. Innī lakum — I am to you. Minhu — from His side. Nadhīrun mubīnun — a clear warner of bad consequences.
Translation: "And do not appoint any other deity alongside Allah — do not make any other object of worship. I am a clear warner to you from Allah, warning you explicitly of the terrible outcome."
Esteemed readers! Abandon self-worship — abandon the worship of wealth — abandon the worship of money. Fear of enemies, fear of death — this too is the worship of the world and one who fears Allah does not fear others. The way to seek means from others apart from Allah — begging from others — bowing before others — this too is a form of worship of others. Repent — turn towards God — arise, go toward Allah — flee toward your Owner — run to the doorstep of your Lord — He will shelter and protect you. Your shayṭān is your enemy — we will always keep running towards Allah — lā ḥawla wa-lā quwwata illā billāh.
Translation: "And do not set up any other deity alongside Allah — I am a clear, explicit warner to you from Allah."
Esteemed readers! Abandon self-interest — abandon the servitude of self — abandon wealth. Do not bow down to it — you do not consider it worship of God — Allah is the Lord of worship. Do not bow to anyone else — do not bow to wealth — do not take the worship of the world's masters upon yourself — not the worship of enemies and the worship of foes — fear of white-coated people to such a degree that one seeks the intercession of others from them — that is this same worship of others. The intercession of God's servants — this is the name of worship. Finally, return to God's direction — repent and turn towards God — the slave to God's worship — return to God's worship and style is this.
كَذَلِكَ مَا أَتَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا قَالُوا سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ
kadhālika mā atā lladhīna min qablihim min rasūlin illā qālū sāḥirun aw majnūn.
"Just so — no messenger came to those before them except they said: 'He is a sorcerer or a madman.'" (al-Dhāriyāt 51:52)
Kadhālika — in this very same way. Mā atā — no one came. Alladhīna min qablihim — to the people of those who came before them. Min rasūlin — among the messengers — no prophet is the agent. Illā qālū — except that those people said. Sāḥirun aw majnūnun — this is either a sorcerer or a madman. — No divine miracle came — it is some sorcerer or a madman who has come — it is any spiritual practice — any divine or roḥānī work — whoever came and said he is a prophet or a saint — it is a new thing — it is nothing new — they have always said this to the prophets.
Translation: "Just so — those who came before them — when their messenger came to them — they all said: this is a sorcerer or a madman."
أَتَوَاصَوْا بِهِ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ طَاغُونَ
a-tawāṣaw bihi bal hum qawmun ṭāghūn.
"Did they bequeath it to one another? Nay — they are a transgressing people." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:53)
A-tawāṣaw bihi — from the beginning to this time they kept giving one another advice and counsel for the same false idol worship. Bal hum qawmun ṭāghūna — but the real matter is this — that these people are rebellious and wicked — transgressing — they are the nature of rebellion and evil.
Translation: "Did they (from the beginning) give each other the teaching of (their false idol worship)? No — the real matter is that these people are transgressing and rebellious (by nature)."
فَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ فَمَا أَنتَ بِمَلُومٍ
fa-tawalla ʿanhum fa-mā anta bi-malūm.
"So turn away from them — you are not to be blamed." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:54)
Fa-tawallā ʿanhum — then you turn away from them — do not pay attention to them — do not care about them. Fa-mā anta bi-malūmun — then you are not blameworthy — no one will reproach you.
Translation: "Then turn away from them — you will not be held responsible at all."
وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَى تَنفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
wa-dhakkir fa-inna l-dhikrā tanfaʿu l-muʾminīn.
"And keep reminding — for indeed the reminder benefits the believers." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:55)
Wa-dhakkir — and keep reminding — go on giving admonition. Fa-inna l-dhikrā — without doubt the remembrance and admonition. Tanfaʿu l-muʾminīna — benefits the believers — admonition and remembrance comes to the work of believers.
Translation: "Keep giving admonition — go on giving it. Certainly admonition and reminder will benefit the believers (those who have no faith will not accept)."
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
wa-mā khalaqtu l-jinna wa-l-insa illā li-yaʿbudūn.
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:56)
Wa-mā khalaqtu l-jinna wa-l-insa — and I did not create jinn and mankind. Illā li-yaʿbudūna — except for this that they should worship Me — but My purpose from this is that they should worship Me — do My servitude.
Translation: "I created jinn and mankind only so that they should do My worship (worship Me)."
مَا أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ
mā urīdu minhum min rizqin wa-mā urīdu an yuṭʿimūn.
"I do not desire from them any provision — nor do I desire that they should feed Me." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:57)
Mā urīdu minhum min rizqin — I do not desire from them the provision — I do not intend to take anything from them for Myself — nothing. Wa-mā urīdu an yuṭʿimūna — and I do not desire that they should feed Me — I do not wish that they should give Me food — the real meaning is that I do not need anything from them.
Translation: "I do not want provision from them — nor do I want them to feed Me anything."
إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ
inna llāha huwa l-razzāqu dhū l-quwwati l-matīn.
"Indeed Allah — He is the Provider, Possessor of strength, the Firm." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:58)
Inna llāha huwa l-razzāqu — indeed Allah is the Provider — the One who feeds — the One who nourishes. Dhū l-quwwati — possessor of strength — powerful and strong. Al-matīnu — firm and steady — strong and powerful.
Translation: "Indeed Allah is the Provider — He is strong and firm."
فَإِنَّ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ذَنُوبًا مِّثْلَ ذَنُوبِ أَصْحَابِهِمْ فَلَا يَسْتَعْجِلُونِ
fa-inna lilladhīna ẓalamū dhanūban mithla dhanūbi aṣḥābihim fa-lā yastaʿjilūn.
"For indeed those who have wronged — for them is a share (of punishment) like the share of their companions — so let them not seek to hasten it." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:59)
Fa-inna lilladhīna ẓalamū — for indeed the wrongdoers and sinners — what a state they are in. Dhanūban — one full bucket of water — a bucket filled to the brim. Mithla dhanūbi aṣḥābihim — like the share of their companions — just as was the case of their companions, the ʿĀd and Thamūd. Fa-lā yastaʿjilūna — they should not seek to hurry — punishment is coming to them — divine mercy gives them respite but does not abandon them —
Translation: "Indeed for these wrongdoers there is a share (of punishment) like the share of their companions — their punishment is coming to them soon (punishment before the Day of Judgement)."
Esteemed readers! These wrongdoers have a measure of punishment like the companions of their companions — just as was done to the ʿĀd and Thamūd — just as was done to those before. They too should not seek to hasten punishment — it is coming to them very soon.
فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن يَوْمِهِمُ الَّذِي يُوعَدُونَ
fa-waylun lilladhīna kafarū min yawmihimu lladhī yūʿadūn.
"So woe to those who disbelieved — from their Day which they are being promised." (al-Dhāriyāt 51:60)
Fa-waylun — so great ruin and loss — alas. Lilladhīna kafarū — to those people who disbelieved — those who committed disbelief — the disbelievers' destruction is bad indeed. Min yawmihim — from that day — that Day of theirs. Alladhī yūʿadūna — that day which is being promised to them — what is being promised to them.
Translation: "Great loss to the disbelievers — that Day which is being promised to them is a great day of ruin for them."