Al-Ma'aarij (ٱلْمَعَارِج)

Surah Ma’arij is the 70th Surah found in Juz 29 of the Quran. It has 44 verses divided into 2 Rukus and was revealed in Makkah before the Hijirah period. The Surah was revealed after Rasool Allah (ﷺ) traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem and ascended to the heavens.

The Surah also pictures the reality of the Day of Judgment, how humans will behave on the day, and how everything will finish—even the mighty mountains will look like tufts of wool. Allah emphasizes the believers' steadfastness in their beliefs and states severe punishments for those who disbelieve. Allah describes the nature of this worldly life, how it is just a test, and the importance of preparing for the eternal life of the hereafter.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Ma’arij

The Surah revolves around the journey of Ma’arij and describes it in detail. Surah Ma’arij starts with a question where someone is inquiring about the trial due or the suffering the disbelievers have to go through. In the Surah, Allah describes the end day of the world, when the mountains look like a bunch of wool and everything vanishes.

It will be the day when no one will care about what his beloved friend is doing. The Mushriks will be in trouble and they will do anything to save themselves from the torment of hellfire. They will even give up their children, wives, or any beloved family member to save themselves from the fire of hell. 

The Surah describes the believers and their nature of giving charity. It describes how they will be saved from punishment. The Surah reveals glad tidings for Muslim men who guard their chastity and fulfill their moral obligations. They will be honored and granted a place in the heavens. 

Allah highlights the virtues of being pious, and firm towards believing in Allah and spreading His message to others. He also describes the negative traits of the hypocrites and Mushriks who reject the truth. Allah calls them greedy, impatient, and selfish, and such people who remain ignorant and arrogant, Allah says:

“So leave them to their vain disputes and amusement till they meet their day (of reckoning) promised them. The day when they will come out of their graves in all haste as though rushing to their altars. Eyes lowered, shame attending. That is the day they have been promised!” (Quran 70:42, 70:43, 70:44)

In Surah Ma’atij, Allah distinguishes between the worldly life and that of the hereafter. The Surah reminds us that this worldly life is temporary and the hereafter is eternal. The Mushriks enjoy this life and get the most pleasure from this worldly life while the Momin is patient; they know this life is insignificant and just a test from Allah, and they prepare for the hereafter life.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Ma’arij

The story of Ma’arij is mentioned in many instances in all Hadith books, including Sahih Bukhari. It is narrated by Ibn’Abbas (R.A):

Regarding the verse: 

“And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens “Miraj”) which We showed you (O Muhammad as an actual eye witness) but as a trial for mankind.’ (Quran 17:60)”

Allah’s Apostle actually saw with his own eyes the vision (all the things which were shown to him) on the night of his Night Journey to Jerusalem (and then to the heavens). The cursed tree which is mentioned in the Quran is the tree of Az-Zaqqum. (Sahih Bukhari 6613, Book 82, Hadith 19)

In another Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A):

On the night Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was taken on a night journey (Miraj) two cups, one containing wine and the other milk, were presented to him at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the cup of milk. Gabriel said, “Praise be to Allah Who guided you to Al-Fitra (the right path); if you had taken (the cup of) wine, your nation would have gone astray.” (Sahih Bukhari 5576, Book 74, Hadith 2)

The Surah states a journey where so much was witnessed by Rasool Allah (ﷺ) that is hidden from the common man. The status of humans was elevated with the will and blessings of Allah as our Prophet (ﷺ) ascended up to where Gibrael could not even reach. 

The Surah also clearly describes the Day of Judgment, encouraging us to prepare before the Hour arrives and lead a righteous life. The Surah guides us to detach ourselves from worldly pleasure and prepare for the hereafter, which is eternal. The Quran guides us to maintain honesty, patience, high moral standards, and consistency in observing our Islamic practices to elevate our imaan and strengthen our bond with Allah.