The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

51. SCATTERING [WINDS]
A Meccan sura that gives several of the signs of nature as proof of the
Resurrection, among them the scattering winds that give the sura its title
(verse 1). The disbelievers are reminded of the fate that befell previous rebellious
generations and the Prophet is urged to carry on reminding.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 By those [winds] that scatter far and wide, a 2 and those that are
heavily laden, b 3 that speed freely, 4 that distribute [rain] as ordained!
5 What you [people] are promised is true: 6 the Judgement will
come––7 by the sky with its pathways, 8 you differ in what you say––
9 those who turn away from it c are [truly] deceived. 10 Perish the liars,
11 those steeped in error and unaware! 12 They ask, ‘When is this
Judgement Day coming?’ 13 On a Day when they will be punished by
the Fire, 14 ‘Taste the punishment! This is what you wished to
hasten.’ 15 The righteous will be in Gardens with [flowing] springs.
16 They will receive their Lord’s gifts because of the good they did
before: 17 sleeping only little at night, 18 praying at dawn for God’s
forgiveness, 19 giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar
and the deprived. 20 On earth there are signs for those with sure
faith––21 and in yourselves too, do you not see?––22 in the sky is your
sustenance and all that you are promised. d 23 By the Lord of the
heavens and earth! All this is as real as your speaking.
24 [Muhammad], have you heard the story of the honoured guests
of Abraham? 25 They went in to see him and said, ‘Peace.’ ‘Peace,’
he said, [adding to himself] ‘These people are strangers.’ 26 He
turned quickly to his household, brought out a fat calf, 27 and
placed it before them. ‘Will you not eat?’ he said, 28 beginning to be
afraid of them, but they said, ‘Do not be afraid.’ They gave him good
news of a son who would be gifted with knowledge. 29 His wife then
entered with a loud cry, struck her face, e and said, ‘A barren old
a See 15: 22; this is a benevolent scattering (unlike the one in 18: 45).
b With rain. c Judgement.
d The punishment and Final Judgement/Destiny/physical and spiritual sustenance.
e In her incredulity and embarrassment.