The Majestic Quran

51. Ad-Dhariyat Gale-force Winds A series of oaths referring to the wind opens this chapter. Wind is a fundamental element of life on Earth. Its function is the maintenance of the water cycle. The sun heats the oceans, and water evaporates into the air as vapour. With rising height, the air temperature falls and water vapour condenses into tiny droplets. These droplets over a large area join to form clouds. The winds blow them towards the land, where they fall as rain. The implied question is: since wind is life-giving and is created by God, why can’t the disbelievers accept God’s power to bring back the dead to life? The chapter reveals two more facts: “And in the sky is your promised sustenance” (22); and secondly, “We built the universe with our creative power, and We are ever expanding it (47). The sun provides all the energy for photosynthesis for plants to grow, which becomes human food. Astronomers believe the universe is expanding, so how could the Prophet Muhammad r , who lived in seventh-century Arabia, know this extraordinary fact? Isn’t this evidence that the Quran is God’s Word? The Makkans are reminded about their forefather Abraham , blessed with a child in his old age, so He can give life to an infertile couple. Another instance of the Quran challenging conceptual boundaries, which made belief in the Resurrection difficult for them. Then a reminder of the fate of those who denied; a warning to them that their fate could be the same if they persist in their denial. At the end, the Messenger r is encouraged: “Reminder benefits the believers” (55), so carry on reminding