Question

The initial verses of Surah al-Dhariyat do not name angels, winds or any other thing but use only adjectives. Howcome some scholars came to translate it as Angles while others take it to refer to winds?

Answer

The early exegetes have differed over the interpretation of the object of oaths in the inaugurating verses of the Surah. There are different interpretations. However, Mawlana Hamid Uddin Farahi forcefully claimed that these are attributes of the winds. He has tried to substantiate his conclusion through sound arguments. His pupil Mawlana Amin Ahsan Islahi as well as Mr Ghamidi believe that these refer to the winds. I would refer you to Mawlana Farahi’s commentary on the Surah (translated by Tariq Mahmood Hashmi) so that you have access to his exposition of the verses and basis of his conclusions. Please refer to:  Surah al-Dhariyat

Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi

Date: 2014-11-13