Surah Al-Ma'arij (The Ascending Stairways)

Al-Ma'arij means "The Ascending Stairways" or "The Ways of Ascent," referring to the heights or means by which the angels and matters ascend to God.

Surah Al-Ma'arij is the seventieth chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of forty-four ayahs. It takes its name from a reference to the "ascending ways" by which the angels and the affairs of creation rise toward God. The surah opens by responding to a doubter who challenged the coming of the promised punishment, affirming that the Day of Judgment is certain though it may seem distant. It describes that Day as one of immense length and terror, when close relationships offer no help and each person is concerned only with themselves, wishing they could ransom themselves from punishment. The surah then contrasts the anxious, impatient nature of the human being with the qualities of those devoted to prayer, who are steadfast, give a due share to the needy, guard their trusts and chastity, and remain conscious of the reckoning. It closes with warnings to those who reject the message and reassurance regarding the certainty of what has been promised.

Surah number: 70
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 44
Arabic: المعارج

Read Surah Al-Ma'arij online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

The certainty of the Day of Judgment despite the scoffers' challenge
The immense length and severity of the Day of reckoning
The helplessness of worldly ties on the Day when none can ransom another
The impatient, anxious nature of the human being
The qualities of the devoted: prayer, charity, honesty, and chastity
Warning to deniers and reassurance about God's promise

Why this surah matters

Al-Ma'arij is recognized among the Meccan surahs that vividly address the Day of Judgment and the moral character of the believer. It is often noted for its description of that Day as one of extraordinary length and for its striking portrait of human nature as anxious and impatient, set against the composure of those constant in prayer. The catalog of praiseworthy qualities it lists is frequently cited in discussions of what steadfast devotion looks like in practice. As with other early surahs, its central purpose of affirming resurrection and accountability places it among the chapters that shaped the community's understanding of the afterlife.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Al-Ma'arij" refer to?

The name refers to the "ascending ways" or heights by which the angels and the affairs of creation rise toward God. It is drawn from an early reference in the surah and gives the chapter its title.

Is Al-Ma'arij Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Meccan surah, belonging to the earlier period of revelation. Its emphasis on the Day of Judgment and the character of the believer is typical of the Meccan chapters.

What qualities does the surah praise?

It describes those constant in prayer who give a due share to the needy, affirm the Day of Judgment, guard their trusts and pledges, and remain chaste. These are presented as marks of steadfast devotion.

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