Surah Name: Al-Ma'arij (سورة المعارج)
Translation: The Ascending Stairways
Origin of name: The name comes from verse 3, where the word "Ma'arij" (ways of ascent or degrees of elevation) is mentioned. It refers to the paths through which angels ascend to Allah, or the elevated ranks in Paradise.
Surah Number: 70
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 44
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Mid-Makkah period
Historical Context
Surah Al-Ma'arij was revealed in the middle of the Makkan period, a time when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers were facing opposition and ridicule from the Quraysh. The atmosphere in Makkah was marked by strong resistance to the Islamic message, including mockery of the concepts of divine punishment and the afterlife.
One key reason for this revelation was a statement made by a disbeliever—reported widely in tafsir sources to be Nadr ibn al-Harith—who sarcastically challenged the reality of divine punishment. He is said to have declared, “If this is truly from God, then let stones rain down upon us or bring us a painful punishment” (cf. Al-Anfal 8:32). Another version relates that disbelievers mocked the Prophet’s warnings by demanding to know when the promised punishment would actually happen [1,2].
This surah was revealed in response to such provocations to affirm that the punishment is real and unavoidable. It also presents vivid descriptions of the Judgment Day to warn the disbelievers and remind them of their arrogance and heedlessness. The chapter exposes the selfish and greedy nature of those who reject the truth, particularly the elite and wealthy of Makkan society who hoarded wealth and had little concern for the poor.
At the same time, the surah highlights the strong faith, humility, and discipline of the early Muslims. Unlike their opponents, these believers upheld moral and spiritual values, even under pressure. This contrast reflects the two opposing social attitudes present in Makkah at the time: the materialism and arrogance of the unbelieving elite versus the sincerity and struggle of the emerging Muslim community.
References:
[1] Al-Wahidi, Asbab al-Nuzul, p. 250
[2] Ibn al-Jawzi, Zad al-Masir, vol. 8, p. 357
Main Themes of Surah Al-Maarij
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Certainty of Divine Punishment:
The surah begins with a warning to the disbelievers who mocked the Prophet and hastened the punishment. It states clearly that the punishment of Allah is inevitable and unstoppable, and a day will come when no one can help another. -
Reality of the Day of Judgment:
Vivid descriptions illustrate how terrifying the Day of Judgment will be. People will flee from even their closest loved ones out of fear, and the guilty will be ready to sacrifice their dearest to escape the punishment. -
Critical View of Human Nature:
The surah describes human beings as impatient, greedy, and selfish—panicking in hardship and boastful in times of ease—except for the true believers who rise above these flaws through faith and righteous character. -
Qualities of True Believers:
The righteous are described as consistent in prayer, generous to the needy, fearful of the Hereafter, morally pure, trustworthy, honest in promises, and truthful in their testimonies. These qualities qualify them for Paradise. -
Warning to Mockers and Arrogant:
Disbelievers who ridiculed the Prophet and thought themselves deserving of Paradise are condemned. Their arrogance and mockery are exposed, and Allah declares that such people will face humiliation on the Day of Judgment. -
Support for the Prophet:
The surah ends by comforting the Prophet, reminding him that the disbelievers’ laughter and rejection will be temporary, and that justice and truth will prevail in the Hereafter.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Maarij
- The Day of Judgment will be terrifying, and people will only care about themselves.
- Human beings are naturally impatient and greedy unless guided by faith.
- True believers overcome selfishness by praying regularly and helping those in need.
- Good character includes honesty, keeping promises, and guarding one's dignity.
- Sincere faith and good actions lead to honor in the afterlife, while denial leads to disgrace.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Ma’arij
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Verse 1-2:
"A challenger has demanded a punishment bound to come for the disbelievers—to be averted by none—"
These verses open the Surah with a warning about the inevitable punishment awaiting the disbelievers. -
Verse 3:
"from Allah, Lord of pathways of ˹heavenly˺ ascent,"
Allah is described as “Dhū al-Maʿārij”—the Owner of the ways of ascent—signifying His majesty and control over the heavens. -
Verse 6-7:
"They truly see this ˹Day˺ as impossible, but We see it as inevitable."
The disbelievers see the Day of Judgment as distant, while Allah affirms its nearness. -
Verse 8-14:
"On that Day the sky will be like molten brass and the mountains like ˹tufts of˺ wool. And no close friend will ask ˹about˺ their friends, ˹although˺ they will be made to see each other. The wicked will wish to ransom themselves from the punishment of that Day by their children, their spouses, their siblings, their clan that sheltered them, and everyone on earth altogether, just to save themselves."
A vivid and terrifying description of the Day of Judgment, where people abandon even their closest relationships out of fear. -
Verse 19-27:
"Indeed, humankind was created impatient: distressed when touched with evil, and withholding when touched with good—except those who pray, consistently performing their prayers; and who give the rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the poor; and who ˹firmly˺ believe in the Day of Judgment; and those who fear the punishment of their Lord"
Human nature is described as selfish and ungrateful—except for those who believe and do good. -
Verse 38:
"Does every one of them expect to be admitted into a Garden of Bliss?"
This verse mocks the arrogance of disbelievers who think they will be admitted to Paradise without belief or righteous action. -
Verses 42-44:
"So let them indulge ˹in falsehood˺ and amuse ˹themselves˺ until they face their Day, which they have been threatened with— the Day they will come forth from the graves swiftly, as if racing to an idol ˹for a blessing˺, with eyes downcast, utterly covered with disgrace. That is the Day they have ˹always˺ been warned of."
A powerful ending that illustrates the shame and defeat awaiting the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment.
