In this article, we will examine the meaning, context and analysis of Sura 51, exploring the themes and lessons we can learn from its verses.
Here is Sura 51 of the Holy Quran, titled Ad-Dariyat (Who scatter).
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
- By the winds that scatter!
- By the bearers of burdens!
- By the nimble sliders!
- By distributors according to a commandment!
- What is promised to you is certainly true.
- And Retribution will inevitably come.
- By the sky with perfectly traced paths!
- You differ on what you say.
- Anyone who has been turned away from the faith is turned away from him.
- Cursed be the liars,
- who are immersed in carelessness.
- They ask, "When is the Day of Reckoning?"
- On the day they will be tried in the Fire:
- “Taste your ordeal [punishment]; this is what you sought to hasten”.
- The stakes will be in Gardens and [among] springs,
- receiving what their Lord has given them. For they were previously beneficent: they slept little at night,
- and in the last hours of the night they implored [Allah's] forgiveness;
- and in their goods there was a right to the beggar and the disinherited.
- There are proofs on earth for those who believe with certainty;
- as well as in yourselves. Don't you observe?
- And in heaven is your sustenance and what was promised to you.
- By the Lord of heaven and earth! This is certainly the truth, as this is true that you speak.
-
Has the story of Abraham's honorable visitors come to you?
-
When they entered his house and said, "Peace!" he said to them, "Peace, unknown visitors."
-
Then he went discreetly to his family and brought a fattened calf.
-
Then he brought it to them... "Don't you eat?" he said.
-
He then felt fear towards them. They said, "Don't be afraid." And they announced to him [the birth] of a boy full of knowledge.
-
Then his wife come up screaming, slapped her face, and said, "An old barren woman..."
-
They said, “Thus says your Lord. He is truly the Wise, the Omniscient”.
-
Then [Abraham] said, “What then is your mission, O messengers?”
-
They said, "We have been sent to criminal people,
-
to throw clay stones at them,
-
marked with your Lord for the outrageous".
-
We then brought out the believers,
-
but We found there only one house of submissive people.
-
And We left there a sign for those who dread the painful punishment;
-
There is a sign in Moses when We sent him with clear evidence to Pharaoh.
-
However, this one turned away confident in his power and said: "He is a magician or possessed!"
-
We seized him and his troops and then threw them into the waters because of their blameworthy behavior.
-
The same for the 'Aad, when we sent the devastating wind against them, which spared nothing in its path without reducing it to dust.
-
And for the Thamud they were told, "Enjoy until a certain time!", but they defied the commandment of their Lord. Lightning then struck them as they watched.
-
They were unable to get up or be rescued.
-
And the people of Noah before them were evil people.
-
We have built the sky by our power and we constantly expand it in immensity.
-
And we laid the ground, how excellently we leveled it!
-
We have created couples out of everything, perhaps you will remember?
-
"So flee to Allah. I am for you from Him, an explicit warner."
-
Do not place another deity with Allah. I am for you from Him, an explicit warner.
-
And of each thing We have created pairs so that you may meditate.
-
So flee to Allah. I am for you from Him, an explicit warner.
-
Do not place any other deity with Allah. I am for you from Him, an explicit warner.
-
Thus, no messenger came to their predecessors without them saying, "He is a magician or possessed!"
-
Did they transmit this injunction to each other? They are rather transgressive people.
-
Turn away from them, you will not be blamed [about them].
-
And remind, for reminding benefits believers.
-
I only created jinns and men to worship Me.
-
I do not seek sustenance from them; and I don't want them to feed me.
-
Verily, Allah is the Great Provider, The Possessor of Strength, the Immovable.
-
Those who have been unjust will have a share [of torment] like that of their companions. Let them not be in too much of a hurry.
-
Woe then to those who disbelieved because of the day with which they are threatened!
Meaning and Context
The name "Adh-Dhariyat" means "The winds that scatter". This Surah begins by describing the natural forces and phenomena of nature that God has created, such as winds, clouds, and rain. It emphasizes the power and greatness of God, who is the creator of all things.
Sura 51 also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of God and living a virtuous life. She urges believers to follow the prophets who came before Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and to remember that life on earth is temporary and real life is in the hereafter.
Analysis of Sura 51
Verses 1-6: The power of God in nature
The first verses of sura 51 describe the power of God in nature. They point out that God created the winds, clouds, rain, stars and planets. Believers are called to reflect on the wonders of God's creation and to remember that everything was created for a reason.
Verses 7-21: The importance of acknowledging God
The following verses emphasize the importance of recognizing the greatness of God. They describe how people often deny the truth and reject the prophets. Sura 51 emphasizes the importance of following the prophets who were sent before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and remembering that God is the only one who can save believers from the wrath of the day of judgment.
Verses 22-28: The rewards of the righteous
The following verses discuss the rewards that await virtuous believers. They emphasize that those who live godly and righteous lives will be rewarded in the hereafter. Sura 51 also warns against excessive attachment to life on earth and reminds us that the real life is in the hereafter.
Verses 29-35: The story of Ibrahim
The following verses tell the story of Ibrahim (Abraham), an important prophet in Islam. They describe how Ibrahim rejected his father's idols and began to worship God. Sura 51 highlights the perseverance and faith of Ibrahim, who was rewarded by God for his belief.
Verses 36-44: The punishment of the disbelievers
The following verses evoke the punishment that awaits the disbelievers. They describe how earlier peoples were punished for their wickedness and rejection of God's prophets. Sura 51 emphasizes that those who reject the truth and persist in their disbelief will also be punished in the hereafter.
Verses 45-49: The creation of man
The following verses refer to the creation of man. They emphasize that man was created to worship God and that is the only reason for his presence on earth. Sura 51 warns against excessive attachment to material goods and recalls that the objective of man on earth is to draw closer to God.
Verses 50-60: The conclusion of the sura
The closing verses of sura 51 emphasize the importance of following the truth and living a virtuous life. They warn against the consequences of disbelief and remind that God is the only one who can save believers from the punishment of the hereafter.
Lessons to be learned from sura 51
Sura 51 reminds us of the importance of recognizing the greatness of God and living a virtuous life. She highlights the importance of following the prophets who came before Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and remembering that life on earth is temporary and real life is in the hereafter.
Sura 51 also reminds us that God's creation is filled with signs for those who reflect. We should be grateful for the wonders of God's creation and we should use our time on earth to worship God and do good deeds.
FAQs
What is Sura 51 in the Quran?
Sura 51, called "Adh-Dhariyat" (The Fan), is the fifty-first sura of the Holy Quran.
What is the main theme of sura 51?
The main theme of sura 51 is the recognition of the greatness of God.
Who was Ibrahim (Abraham) in Islam?
Ibrahim (Abraham) was an important prophet in Islam, known for his perseverance and faith in God.
Why is sura 51 important in Islam?
Sura 51 is important in Islam because it reminds believers of the importance of recognizing the greatness of God and following the prophets of God. She also warns against the consequences of disbelief and reminds that life on earth is temporary.
How can the teachings of sura 51 be applied in daily life?
One can apply the teachings of Sura 51 in daily life by recognizing the greatness of God and living a virtuous life. One can also reflect on the signs of God's creation and be grateful for the wonders he has created.
How can Sura 51 help believers deal with life's difficulties?
Sura 51 can help believers deal with life's difficulties by reminding them that life on earth is temporary and that real life is in the hereafter. It can also help believers find strength and perseverance by following God's prophets and acknowledging his greatness.
What is the meaning of the title "Adh-Dhariyat" (The Fan) of sura 51?
The title "Adh-Dhariyat" (The Fan) of sura 51 refers to a strong wind that sweeps away everything in its path, evoking the power of God and his ability to destroy everything in an instant.