Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt

Sūrah No. 51, Revealed in Makkah, 60 verses.

The Sūrah gets its name from first verse, referring to the winds that scatter. Many verses of this Sūrah, especially the beginning and end, talk about details of resurrection and the Day of Judgment.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt during the day or at night, Allah will improve his condition and grant him abundant provision and a light that will illuminate his grave till the Day of Judgment. Imam al-Sādiq (a) (Tafsīr Majm‘al-Bayān)

General synopsis of contents

1) Details of the hereafter.

2) Signs of Allah in creation.

3) The angels that came to Prophet Ibrāhīm (a).

4) Brief stories of some of the past Prophets.

5) Consoling the Holy Prophet a through examples of the opposition faced by past Prophets.

Selected Lessons

1) Less sleep and early morning prayers are from the qualities of the virtuous (vv. 17-18)

2) ‘Salaam’ is the greeting of angels as well as humans (v. 25)

3) Rejection of the Prophets of God and the accusations against them have been the same throughout history (v. 52)

4) Reminders are beneficial for believers (v. 55)

Important Messages

1) All human beings, even the virtuous ones, need to seek forgiveness.

2) Guests must be treated with respect and attention to their needs.

3) It is possible to have a lone house of believers in a corrupt environment.

4) Do not tire of reminding others.

5) Worship is for the human being to attain perfection and getting close to the Divine.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 51:20-21 – In the earth are signs for those who have conviction, and in your souls as well. Will you not then perceive?

2) 51:50 – So flee toward Allah. Indeed, I am from Him a manifest warner to you.

3: 51:56 – I did not create the jinn and the humans except that they may worship Me.

Activities for self-study

1) Read the story of the guests of Prophet Ibrāhīm (a), verses 24-30. Write out the conversations that take place. What are some qualities of this family?

2) List the signs of Allah mentioned in verses 47-49.