Al-Ma’ârij (Surah 70)
Al-Ma'ârij (Pathways of ˹Heavenly˺ Ascent)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Meccan sûrah, which takes its name from verse 3, condemns the pagans for ridiculing the Day of Judgment (verses 1-2) and the Prophet (verses 36-37). The truth of the Hour is reaffirmed, along with the horrors that will ensue. The qualities of the people of Hell and the people of Paradise are described (verses 16-35). The Prophet (ﷺ) is reassured, while the pagans are warned—both themes are embedded in the story of Noah (ﷺ) in the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
A Mocker Asks for Judgment Day
1. A challenger has demanded a punishment bound to come 2. for the disbelievers—to be averted by none— 3. . from Allah, Lord of pathways of (heavenly) ascent, 4. (through which) the angels and the (holy) spirit will ascend to Him on a Day fifty thousand years in length. 5. So endure (this denial, O Prophet,) with beautiful patience. 6. They truly see this (Day) as impossible, 7. but We see it as inevitable.
Surah 70 - Al-Ma'ârij (Pathways of ˹Heavenly˺ Ascent) - Verses 1-7
Horrors of Judgment Day
8. On that Day the sky will be like molten brass 9. and the mountains like (tufts of) wool. 10. And no close friend will ask (about) their friends, 11. (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, 12. their spouses, their siblings, 13. their clan that sheltered them, 14. and everyone on earth altogether, just to save themselves. 15. But no! There will certainly be a raging Flame 16. ripping off scalps. 17. It will summon whoever turned their backs (on Allah) and turned away (from the truth), 18. and gathered and hoarded (wealth).
Surah 70 - Al-Ma'ârij (Pathways of ˹Heavenly˺ Ascent) - Verses 8-18
Excellence of the Faithful
19. Indeed, humankind was created impatient: 20. distressed when touched with evil, 21. and withholding when touched with good— 22. except those who pray, 23. consistently performing their prayers; 24. and who give the rightful share of their wealth 25. to the beggar and the poor; 26. and who (firmly) believe in the Day of Judgment; 27. and those who fear the punishment of their Lord— 28. (knowing that) none should feel secure from their Lord’s punishment— 29. and those who guard their chastity 30. except with their wives or those (bondwomen) in their possession, for then they are free from blame, 31. but whoever seeks beyond that are the transgressors. 32. (The faithful are) also those who are true to their trusts and covenants; 33. and who are honest in their testimony; 34. and who are (properly) observant of their prayers. 35. These will be in Gardens, held in honour.
Surah 70 - Al-Ma'ârij (Pathways of ˹Heavenly˺ Ascent) - Verses 19-35
Warning to the Mockers
36. So what is the matter with the disbelievers that they rush (head-long) towards you (O Prophet), 37. from the right and the left, in groups (to mock you)? 38. Does every one of them expect to be admitted into a Garden of Bliss? 39. But no! Indeed, they (already) know what We created them from. 40. So, I do swear by the Lord of (all) the points of sunrise and sunset that We are truly capable 41. of replacing them with (others) better than them, and We cannot be prevented (from doing so). 42. So let them indulge (in falsehood) and amuse (themselves) until they face their Day, which they have been threatened with— 43. the Day they will come forth from the graves swiftly, as if racing to an idol (for a blessing), 44. with eyes downcast, utterly covered with disgrace. That is the Day they have (always) been warned of.