إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِى يَوْمِ نَحْسٍ مُّسْتَمِرٍّ 19
Translations
Indeed, We sent upon them a screaming wind on a day of continuous misfortune,
Transliteration
Inna arsalna alayhim riihan sarsar fin yawmi nahsin mustamirr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the devastating wind that Allah sent upon the people of 'Ad as punishment for their disbelief and arrogance. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that the word 'sarsar' (furiously cold/violent) describes an intensely destructive wind, while 'yawm nahsin mustamirr' (a day of unceasing misfortune) emphasizes the continuous and relentless nature of their torment. The ayah illustrates how Allah's punishment, though delayed, is inevitable and comprehensive for those who reject His messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qaram's narrative recounting the fate of previous nations who rejected Allah's messengers. Specifically, it describes the punishment of 'Ad, the people of Hud (peace be upon him), who were destroyed by a severe wind for their persistent denial and worship of false deities. The surah emphasizes the certainty and proximity of the Day of Judgment by referencing these historical examples.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in Sahih Muslim regarding the wind: 'The wind is from the Mercy of Allah, and from it comes torment; so when you see it, do not curse it, but ask Allah for its good and seek refuge with Him from its evil.' This hadith contextualizes how the same natural phenomenon can be mercy or punishment based on Allah's wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of divine guidance leads to inevitable and comprehensive punishment, and that Allah's justice is absolute and inescapable. For modern readers, it serves as a call to heed the warnings of Allah and His messengers, recognizing that the consequences of turning away from truth are severe and far-reaching.