Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Ma’rij

Surah Al-Ma’rij is surah number seventy in the Noble Quran. The article is an introduction to this surah. It mentions why it is called surah Al-Ma’rij, and the most important topics discussed in this surah.

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called Al-Ma’rij ‘the ways of ascent’ because it begins by referring to the ascension of the angels to heaven on the Day of Judgment. 

Surah Al-Ma’rij was revealed in Makkah. It contains forty-four ayah. 

70:4 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him on a day, the length of which is fifty thousand years.

Relationship between Surah  Al-Haqqah and Al-Ma’rij

According to the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf, surah Al-Ma’rij comes after surah Al-Haqqah, which speaks about the Day of Judgment and refers to some of its signs and horrors. Surah Al-Ma’rij continues speaking about the Day of Judgment, some of its signs and horrors, and the conditions of the believers and disbelievers on that day.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Ma’rij

The theme of surah Al-Ma’rij is the same as the theme of surahs revealed in Makkah, namely, speaking about the principles of belief in the Oneness of Allah, and confirming the occurrence of the Day of Judgment, and reckoning and recompense on that day.

Surah Al-Ma’rij begins by referring to the attitude of the disbelievers of Makkah towards the message of Islam, which Allah sent Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to invite people to believe in. The disbelievers rejected following Islam, ridiculed Messenger Muhammad, and demanded him to bring the punishment that he warned him of if they insisted on their negative attitude towards Islam. 

70:1 A questioner asked about an impending punishment.

70:2 For the disbelievers, which none can avert. 

Then, surah Al-Ma’rij refers to some of the horrors of the Day of Judgment, and the conditions of the disbelievers on that day.

70:8 On the day the sky will be like murky boiling oil,

70:9 and the mountains will be like wool, 

70:15 No! It is a blazing fire,

70:16 stripping away the scalp,

70:17 calling him, who drew back and turned away,

70:18 and amassed and hoarded. 

Then, surah Al-Ma’rij speaks about some negative characteristics of man, which cause him loss. These characteristics revolve around extreme fretfulness, impatience, and niggardliness. 

70:19 Verily, man was created fretful.

70:20 When evil touches him, impatient, 

70:21 and when good touches him, niggardly, 

Then, surah Al-Ma’rij makes an exception, namely, the believers, who obey the commands of Allah, will be successful and enter Paradise where they will enjoy lasting happiness.

70:22 save those who pray. 

70:23 Those who are steadfast in their prayer.

70:34 And those who observe their prayers. 

70:35 Those shall be in Gardens, honored. 

Finally, surah Al-Ma’rij condemns the disbelievers and warns them of annihilation if they insist on disbelieving in the Oneness of Allah and disobeying His commands. Moreover, it refers to some of their unfavorable conditions on the Day of Judgment.

70:36 So, what is the matter with those who disbelieve, rushing with outstretched necks toward you,

70:37 on the right and on the left, in groups? 

70:43 The day they shall come forth from the graves hastily as if they were hurrying to a waymark.

70:44 Their eyes will be humbled, covered with humility. That is the day that they were promised.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Ma’rij

Tafsir Ibn Kathir English Translation Surah Al-Ma’rij

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Haqqah

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl English Translation and Tafsir