Surah Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds)

Adh-Dhariyat means "The Winnowing Winds" (or scattering winds), named after the opening oath that invokes the winds which scatter dust and drive the clouds.

Surah Adh-Dhariyat is the fifty-first chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of sixty ayahs. It opens with a series of oaths by the scattering winds and other forces before affirming that the promise of judgment is true and will certainly come to pass. The surah states that God created humankind and the jinn to worship Him, and that He alone is the provider of sustenance, needing nothing in return. To reinforce its message it recounts the honored guests who came to Abraham with news of a son and of the coming punishment of Lot's people, then recalls the destruction of earlier nations who rejected their messengers — including the people of Pharaoh, 'Ad, Thamud, and the people of Noah. Throughout, it points to signs in the heavens, the earth, and within human beings themselves, urging people to flee toward God and to devote themselves to Him.

Surah number: 51
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 60
Arabic: الذاريات

Read Surah Adh-Dhariyat online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Oaths by the winds and the certainty of the coming judgment
The purpose of creation: worship and devotion to God
God as the sole provider of sustenance (rizq)
The guests of Abraham and the fate of Lot's people
Destruction of past nations who denied their messengers
Signs in the cosmos and within the human self

Why this surah matters

Adh-Dhariyat is especially well known for its concise statement that God created jinn and humankind to worship Him, a verse frequently quoted in discussions of the purpose of human life. Its narrative of Abraham's honored guests parallels accounts elsewhere in the Quran and is often studied for its portrayal of prophetic hospitality and glad tidings. The surah's rhythmic oaths and rapid survey of destroyed nations make it a memorable example of Meccan admonition. Many Muslims turn to its themes of divine provision and reliance on God as sources of reassurance.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called "The Winnowing Winds"?

The name comes from the opening oath that invokes the winds which scatter and disperse dust. The imagery of driving winds introduces the surah's affirmation that God's promise of judgment is certain.

What does Surah Adh-Dhariyat say about the purpose of life?

It states that God created jinn and humankind to worship Him. This is widely cited as a clear Quranic statement of humanity's purpose, framed alongside the reminder that God alone provides for all creatures.

Which prophets are mentioned in the surah?

It refers to Abraham and his honored guests, the people of Lot, and the earlier nations of Pharaoh, 'Ad, Thamud, and Noah, all recalled as lessons about accepting or rejecting God's messengers.

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