Surah Adh-Dhariyat: Meaning, Reasons for Revelation, Content, and Virtues of Recitation
Surah Adh-Dhariyat is the 51st surah in the Quran, containing profound messages about God’s system of sustenance and the essence of human existence. Consisting of 60 verses, this Makkiyah surah serves as a spiritual guide for Muslims in navigating life’s dynamics, particularly in matters of economics and devotion to the Creator.
Verses 1 to 30 of Surah Adh-Dhariyat are found in Juz 26, while verses 31 to 60 are in Juz 27. Let’s explore this surah further.
Linguistically, Adh-Dhariyat means ‘the winds that scatter.’ God Almighty begins this surah with an oath concerning natural phenomena: the wind, rain-bearing clouds, sailing ships, and the angels who govern affairs. This oath is not merely metaphorical but an affirmation that all elements of the universe work harmoniously to distribute His blessings and sustenance on Earth.
Understanding the context in which a verse was revealed is crucial to grasping its original message. Here are some key moments behind the revelation of Surah Adh-Dhariyat:
This surah contains one of the most frequently quoted verses in Islamic tradition, namely verse 56:
‘And I did not create the jinn and humans except to worship Me.’
- Surah Adh-Dhariyat is part of Al-Mufasshal, which was given to Prophet Muhammad SAW as an addition, thus granting him a distinction over other prophets.
Watsilah bin Al-Asqa’ said that the Prophet SAW said, ‘As-Sab’uth-Thiwal has been revealed to me as a substitute for the Torah, Al-Ma’in has been revealed to me as a substitute for the Psalms, Al-Matsani has been revealed to me as a substitute for the Gospel, and I have been given the addition of Al-Mufasshal.’ (Narrated by Ahmad: IV/107)
- Surah Adh-Dhariyat serves as a means to obtain abundant sustenance and enlightenment in the afterlife.
The Prophet SAW once said, ‘Whoever recites Surah Adh-Dhariyat during the day or night, God will grant him goodness (sustenance), bring abundant sustenance to him, and illuminate his grave with a lamp that will never be extinguished until the Day of Judgment.’ (Tsawabul A’mal: 145)
The Prophet SAW said, ‘Whoever recites this surah (Adh-Dhariyat), God will give him ten good deeds for every wind that blows and gusts in the world.’ (Tafsirul Burhan, Juz 7: 307)
- Surah Adh-Dhariyat can be used as a means or prayer for curing stomach aches and easing childbirth.
The Prophet SAW once said, ‘Whoever writes it (Surah Adh-Dhariyat) in a container and drinks the water, his stomach ache will be cured, and if it is placed on a pregnant woman, she will have an easy and quick delivery.’ (Tafsirul Burhan, Juz: 307)
What does Adh-Dhariyat mean?
Adh-Dhariyat means the wind that scatters dust.
In which Juz is Surah Adh-Dhariyat?
This surah is in Juz 26 and Juz 27.
Because the verse explains the only reason why humans and jinn were created in the universe, which is to worship.
What is the purpose of human creation according to Surah Adh-Dhariyat?
This is answered clearly in verse 56, ‘And I did not create the jinn and humans except to worship Me.’ Worship here has a broad meaning, encompassing total submission and recognition (ma’rifat) of the Creator.
Verse 22 states, ‘And in the sky is your provision and what you are promised.’ This teaches us not to worry excessively about worldly affairs because the source of sustenance is transcendental. (I-2)