Al-Maʻārij المعارج, “The Ascending Stairways

Holy Quran

Al-Maʻārij ( المعارج, “The Ascending Stairways”) is the seventieth chapter of the Qur'an, with 44 verses

The Surah takes its name from the word dhil Ma'arij[1] in the third ayah. The word appears twice in the Quran.[2][3][4] Abdullah Yusuf Ali, an Indian Islamic scholar, introduces the surah as “... another Islamic eschatology Surah closely connected in subject matter with the last one. Patience and the mystery of Time will show the ways that climb the Heaven. Sin and Goodness must each eventually come to its own.”[5] It is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) that whoever recites Surah al-Ma'ārij, Allah will give him the rewards of those who keep their trusts and promises and those who observe upon performing their daily prayers.[6]

Summary[edit]

• 1 A man demanded that the day of judgment might come at once
• 2-4 The day, whose space is fifty thousand years, will surely come
• 5-14 Muhammad to bear the insults of the infidels patiently, because judgment is near
• 12-18 Riches, children, and friends will not save the wicked from hell
• 19-24 The wicked are niggardly in health, but full of complaint when evil befalleth
• 25-35 The character of true
• 36-41 Unbelievers need entertain no hope they shall escape destruction
• 42-45 Muhammad counselled to permit the unbelieving Makkans to sport themselves, because their damnation is nigh [6]

Theme and Subject Matter

It admonishes and gives warning to the disbelievers who made fun of the news about Resurrection and the Hereafter, and Hell and Heaven, and challenged the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) to cause Resurrection with which he threatened them to take place if what he said was true and they had become worthy of the punishment in Hell by denying it. The whole Surah is meant to answer this denial.

The Surah opens with words to the effect:"A demander has demanded a torment, the torment which must befall the deniers; and when it takes place, there will be none to prevent it, but it will take place at its own appointed time. Allah has His own way of doing things, but He is not unjust. Therefore, have patience, O Prophet, at what they say. They think it is far off, but We see it as near at hand."

Then it is said:"Resurrection, which they desire to be hastened out of jest and fun, is terrible, and when it comes, it will cause great distress to the culprits. At that time they will even be prepared to give away their wives and children and their nearest kinsfolk in ransom to escape the punishment, but they will not be able to escape it.

Then the people have been warned to the effect; "On that Day the destinies of men will be decided strictly on the basis of their belief and their conduct. Those who turn away from the Truth in the world and amass wealth and withhold it from the needy, will be doomed to Hell; and those who fear the punishment of God here, believe in the Hereafter, keep up the Prayer, discharge the rights of the needy out of their wealth, strictly avoid immoral and wicked deeds, practice honesty in all their dealings, fulfill their pledges and trust and bear true witness, will have a place of honor in Paradise"

In conclusion, the disbelievers of Makkah who rushed in upon the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) from every side as soon as they saw him, in order to make fun of him, have been warned to the effect: "If you do not believe, Allah will replace you by other people who will be better than you", and the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has been consoled, so as to say: "Do not take to heart their mockery and jesting; leave them to indulge in their idle talk and foolish conduct if they are bent upon experiencing the disgrace and humiliation of the Resurrection; they will themselves see their evil end."'