وَفِى عَادٍ إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلرِّيحَ ٱلْعَقِيمَ 41
Translations
And in ʿAad [was a sign], when We sent against them the barren wind.
Transliteration
Wa fi 'adin idh arsalna 'alayhimu ar-rīhu al-'aqīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the devastating wind that Allah sent upon the people of 'Ad as a punishment for their disbelief and arrogance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the wind was called 'al-'aqīm' (the barren wind) because it was unproductive and brought only destruction—it did not bring rain or blessing but rather devastation. Al-Tabari notes that this wind lasted eight days and nights, destroying everything in its path, demonstrating Allah's power and the consequences of rejecting His messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Adh-Dhariyat, a Meccan surah that recounts stories of past nations and their punishments as a warning to the Quraysh. The surah emphasizes Allah's absolute power and the certainty of divine punishment for those who reject monotheism. The mention of 'Ad here serves as a historical reminder of the fate of those who arrogantly deny Allah's signs and His messengers.
Related Hadiths
The story of 'Ad is referenced in various hadiths discussing the destruction of ancient peoples. Tirmidhi reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the different types of wind, including winds of punishment. Additionally, hadiths in Sahih Bukhari discuss the signs of the Hour and past destructions as reminders of Allah's power.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that persistent arrogance and rejection of divine guidance leads to inevitable destruction, regardless of wealth or power. It reminds believers that Allah's patience with wrongdoers is not weakness, but when His command comes, it is swift and absolute—an encouragement to heed warnings and turn to righteousness before it is too late.