14:18
The parable of those who reject their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous day: No power have they over aught that they have earned: that is the straying far, far (from the goal).
The deeds of the ungodly are portrayed as insubstantial and fleeting, comparable to ashes scattered by the wind. This imagery conveys the idea that the opportunities and abilities granted to them have been misused, leaving behind only what is worthless and devoid of lasting value. Just as ashes are easily carried away by the wind, the actions of those who reject moral guidance lack stability, direction, and enduring purpose. The metaphor further suggests that the circumstances surrounding their efforts are not calm or favorable; rather, they are subject to a powerful and destructive force, symbolizing divine judgment.
As a result, such individuals attain neither inner tranquility nor meaningful worldly benefit. Even the limited outcomes they might have achieved are ultimately lost due to the consequences of their actions. Their condition reflects a deeper moral disorder in which intentions become misguided and aspirations fail to produce the results they sought. Thus, the metaphor emphasizes the contrast between human aims and the ultimate outcome of actions that are disconnected from moral and spiritual guidance.
References:
Yusuf Ali, Abdullah. Translation and Meaning of the Quran.