Experience the empowering wisdom of Surah 70: Al-Ma’arij (The Ascending Stairways). Unlock the powerful reminders of patience, prayer, and righteousness that Al-Ma’arij teaches, guiding believers toward eternal success and divine elevation.
Surah 70: Al-Ma‘arij (The Ascending Stairways)
Al-Ma‘arij: Introduction
Surah Al-Ma‘arij is the seventieth chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah, and it consists of 44 verses. The name “Al-Ma‘arij” refers to the “ascending stairways” through which the angels and the Spirit (Jibreel – Gabriel) ascend to Allah. The surah begins in response to a question or challenge from a disbeliever who mockingly asked about the coming punishment, demanding it be hastened. Allah responds by affirming that the punishment is real, unavoidable, and decreed, and that it will come from the Lord of the lofty pathways of ascent. The chapter vividly describes the Day of Judgment, when worldly ties will be meaningless and each soul will be desperate to save itself.
It highlights the natural impatience and selfishness of human beings, but also praises those who overcome these traits through faith, prayer, charity, honesty, and moral discipline. The surah ends by warning the disbelievers that their mockery will end when the promised Day arrives, bringing humiliation and regret.
Surah 70: Al-Ma‘arij (The Ascending Stairways): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. A questioner asked about a punishment bound to happen,
2. For the disbelievers – it cannot be averted –
3. From Allah, the Owner of the ascending stairways.
4. The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a Day the measure of which is fifty thousand years.
5. So be patient with gracious patience.
6. Indeed, they see it as something far off,
7. But We see it as near.
8. On the Day when the sky will be like molten metal,
9. And the mountains will be like fluffed wool,
10. And no close friend will ask about a friend,
11. Though they will be made to see one another. The sinner will wish to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children,
12. And his spouse, and his brother,
13. And his family that sheltered him,
14. And all that is on earth – if only that could save him.
15. No indeed! It is the blazing Fire,
16. Tearing away the scalp,
17. Calling the one who turned away and walked off,
18. Who amassed wealth and hoarded it.
19. Indeed, man was created impatient –
20. When evil touches him, fretful,
21. And when good touches him, withholding –
22. Except those who pray,
23. Those who are constant in their prayer,
24. And in whose wealth there is a recognized right
25. For the beggar and the deprived,
26. And those who affirm the Day of Recompense,
27. And those who fear the punishment of their Lord –
28. Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not something to feel secure from –
29. And those who guard their chastity,
30. Except with their wives or those their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame –
31. But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors –
32. And those who are faithful to their trusts and covenants,
33. And those who stand firm in their testimonies,
34. And those who guard their prayers –
35. They will be in gardens, honored.
36. So what is the matter with those who disbelieve, rushing towards you in crowds,
37. From the right and from the left, in groups?
38. Does every one of them hope to enter a Garden of Bliss?
39. No indeed! We created them from what they know.
40. So I swear by the Lord of the Easts and the Wests that We are indeed able
41. To replace them with others better than them, and We will not be prevented.
42. So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play until they meet their Day which they are promised –
43. The Day they will come out from the graves quickly, as if racing towards a target,
44. With their eyes humbled, humiliation covering them – that is the Day which they were promised. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-Ma‘arij strongly reminds the human soul of its weaknesses and the urgent need for spiritual refinement. It opens by exposing the arrogance of those who mock the reality of the Hereafter, warning them that the divine punishment they deny is already on its way.
The surah describes the Day of Judgment with intense imagery: a sky like molten metal, mountains like fluffed wool, and people willing to give up everything – even loved ones – to escape punishment, but finding no refuge. A central theme is the moral contrast between ordinary human nature and the qualities of true believers. While humans are often impatient, self-centred, and ungrateful, the faithful cultivate patience, regular prayer, generosity towards the needy, chastity, honesty in promises, and integrity in testimony. Such traits lead to honor and reward in the gardens of Paradise.
The closing verses remind the disbelievers that their false hopes of entering Paradise without faith and righteousness are empty, and that Allah can replace them with better people. The surah leaves us with a powerful lesson: the path to salvation lies in disciplined faith, active compassion, and steadfast worship, not in wealth, arrogance, or worldly alliances. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 70: Al-Ma’arij
Q1. What is Surah Al-Ma’arij and why is it called “The Ascending Stairways”?
Surah Al-Ma’arij is the 70th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah, with 44 verses. The word “Al-Ma’arij” means “The Ascending Stairways,” referring to the ways through which angels ascend to Allah and the spiritual ranks that believers climb through faith and righteous deeds. The Surah opens with a warning about an inevitable punishment for disbelievers, while also highlighting the rewards for those who remain steadfast in prayer, honesty, and generosity. By naming the chapter Al-Ma’arij, the Quran emphasizes both the cosmic reality of angelic ascension and the moral elevation of believers who walk the path of obedience.
Q2. What are the main themes of Surah Al-Ma’arij?
The main themes of Surah Al-Ma’arij are divine justice, human impatience, the certainty of the Day of Judgment, and the moral qualities that lead to salvation. Al-Ma’arij describes how humans are naturally impatient and restless, especially in adversity, but faith and righteous deeds elevate them. The Surah contrasts the arrogance of disbelievers with the serenity of true believers who perform regular prayers, fulfill obligations, and remain truthful. Another theme of Al-Ma’arij is the speed of divine punishment for deniers and the slow but certain reward for the faithful. Together, these lessons in Al-Ma’arij highlight that the path to Allah requires patience, purity, and perseverance.
Q3. How does Surah Al-Ma’arij describe human nature?
Surah Al-Ma’arij offers a deep reflection on human nature, describing people as impatient, anxious in hardship, and selfish in times of ease. This negative tendency, however, is not universal. Al-Ma’arij points out that those who pray regularly, honor their trusts, remain truthful, and are generous to the needy are exceptions. In doing so, Al-Ma’arij teaches that while weakness is part of human nature, faith and discipline transform a person into someone elevated and steadfast. This realistic portrayal of humanity makes Al-Ma’arij a timeless guide to self-improvement and reliance on Allah.
Q4. What qualities of true believers are highlighted in Surah Al-Ma’arij?
Surah Al-Ma’arij provides a beautiful list of qualities that distinguish true believers from others. They are consistent in their prayers, conscious of their duties, generous with their wealth, trustworthy in their dealings, and firm in their truthfulness. These qualities reflect not only a spiritual commitment but also social responsibility. Al-Ma’arij shows that believers rise in ranks with Allah when they combine worship with moral integrity and compassion. These traits make Al-Ma’arij a chapter of empowerment, inspiring Muslims to embody faith in both private devotion and public life.
Q5. How does Surah Al-Ma’arij emphasize patience and perseverance?
Surah Al-Ma’arij opens with a reminder of punishment awaiting disbelievers, followed by a reassurance that believers will be protected by their faith and patience. It highlights that life is a test and that impatience leads to despair, while perseverance leads to success. Al-Ma’arij emphasizes that the Day of Judgment is certain and that waiting patiently for it with righteous deeds is the true mark of faith. By teaching that spiritual ascension requires endurance, Al-Ma’arij inspires Muslims to practice patience in hardship and gratitude in ease, climbing the stairways of righteousness.
Q6. What warnings does Surah Al-Ma’arij give to disbelievers?
Surah Al-Ma’arij vividly warns disbelievers of the punishment they will face for denying truth. It describes their arrogance, greed, and attachment to worldly pleasures, which blind them to accountability. The Surah portrays their regret on the Day of Judgment when wealth and family ties will no longer benefit them. By highlighting the destruction awaiting deniers, Al-Ma’arij urges them to turn toward faith and obedience before it is too late. For believers, these warnings in Al-Ma’arij serve as motivation to remain steadfast and avoid arrogance.
Q7. How does Surah Al-Ma’arij inspire believers to rise spiritually?
The very name “Al-Ma’arij” conveys spiritual ascension. The Surah reminds believers that while human nature is weak, prayer, charity, honesty, and patience elevate them to higher ranks with Allah. The imagery of angels ascending to Allah reinforces the idea that righteousness leads to closeness with the Divine. Al-Ma’arij inspires Muslims to look beyond worldly attachments and seek higher spiritual stations. By embodying the qualities listed in the Surah, believers climb the stairways of faith, gaining strength, peace, and ultimate success in the Hereafter.
Q8. What is the significance of Surah Al-Ma’arij being revealed in Makkah?
Surah Al-Ma’arij was revealed in Makkah during a time of strong opposition to Islam. Its verses provided both a warning to the arrogant disbelievers and comfort to the oppressed believers. By stressing the certainty of the Day of Judgment, Al-Ma’arij gave courage to early Muslims that their patience would not be in vain. Its Makkan nature focuses on strengthening faith, teaching patience, and defining the qualities of true believers. For this reason, Al-Ma’arij continues to empower Muslims today, showing that the path of righteousness leads to spiritual elevation and eternal reward.
