Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)

SÛRAH LI

Adh-Dhâdriyât, “The Winnowing Winds,” takes its name from a word in v. I. I have followed the usual interpretation of the first four verses, but they may also be taken as all referring to winds or to angels.

An early Meccan Sûrah.

The Winnowing Winds

1. By those that winnow with a winnowing

2. And those that bear the burden (of the rain)

3. And those that glide with ease (upon the sea)

4. And those who distribute (blessings) by command,

5. Lo! that wherewith ye are threatened is indeed true,

6. And lo! the judgement will indeed befall.

7. By the heaven full of paths,

8. Lo! ye, forsooth, are of various opinion (concerning the truth).

9. He is made to turn away from it who is (himself) averse.

10. Accursed be the conjecturers n. Who are careless in an abyss!

12. They ask: When is the Day of Judgement?

13. (It is) the day when they will be tormented at the Fire,

14. (And it will be said unto them): Taste your torment (which ye inflicted). This is what ye sought to hasten.