Surah 51: The Winds That Scatter - Overview

Introduction

This is an early Makkan Surah, the second of the seven Surahs forming a group dealing with Revelation and the Hereafter. See Introduction to S.50. This Surah deals with the varying ways in which Truth prevails irresistibly even against all human probabilities. (R)

Summary

1- The winds may blow and scatter, lift and rush, or divide in all directions; but the Truth and Promise of God are sure and stable, whereof you may see Signs both around and within you. (51:1-23)

A Purpose True and Stable [51:1-23] Various are the ways of working we see in God's world--strong and gentle, scattering and uniting; through it all runs a Purpose True and Stable, which we all shall see fulfilled on the Day of Judgment and Justice, which must inevitably come to pass: give up false doctrines, which agree not among themselves or with facts. For evil must end in evil, and good in joy and felicity. The good worship God and serve God's creatures; those needing help are ever in their thoughts. They see Signs of God in all things in heaven and earth, and in their own hearts and minds.

2- Past events and what you see before you point to the unfailing consequences of all you do: God, of His Grace, sends you a Reminder; the loss is your own if you reject and deny. (51:24-60)

Inevitable Warning [51:24-60] Even Abraham the True had need to be told before he could realize the purpose of God. Clear Signs were sent for warning, as, of old, to Pharaoh, the 'Ad, the Thamud, and the people of Noah, and the warning inevitably came to pass. Our Signs are for your instruction. Heed them and learn by them. Those who believe find profit in their lives: those who reject or deny--alas! they learn not from the past. Woe unto them! The loss is their own!