Tag Archives: Believers profile

Quran, listen ,read translation, understand & act

Chapter70/Al Ma’arij

Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/df04debc-e6c6-48d6-9b51-12616fdfc5b7/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-70.html

3. Free app for complete Quran , translations in multiple world languages: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1118663303

4. Free app for complete Quran, recitation, multiple tafaseer, books of ahadees: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1006098149

Based on Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, here is a concise summary of Surah Al-Ma’arij (Chapter 70):

1. Name and Context

The Surah derives its name from “dhil Ma’arij” (Owner of the Ascending Steps) in verse 3, symbolizing Allah’s supreme authority over the stairways of ascent used by angels . It was revealed in Mecca during intense persecution of Muslims, closely following Surah Al-Haaqqah in timing and thematic emphasis .

2. Core Theme

A rebuttal to disbelievers who mocked Resurrection and demanded immediate punishment if the Qur’anic message were true. The Surah affirms the inevitability of divine punishment and the reality of the Hereafter .

3. Key Arguments

  • Inevitability of Punishment (Verses 1–7):
    A “demander” (identified as Nadr bin al-Harith or Abu Jahl) challenges the Prophet to hasten divine punishment. Allah responds that this torment is certain and inescapable for disbelievers, originating from the “Owner of the Ascending Steps.” The angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend to Allah in a “Day” spanning 50,000 human years—a metaphor for divine timelessness versus human impatience .
  • Horrors of the Hereafter (Verses 8–18):
    Describes the Day of Judgment: the sky like molten metal, mountains like carded wool, and societal bonds shattered. The guilty will futilely offer their families and wealth as ransom to escape Hell, which will “scorch the flesh” and consume hoarders of wealth .
  • Contrasting Human Traits (Verses 19–35): Natural human impatience and greed are highlighted. True believers are distinguished by:
    • Steadfastness in prayer.
    • Charity and recognition of the needy’s rights.
    • Belief in the Hereafter and divine accountability.
    • Chastity (except with spouses), trustworthiness, and honesty.
      Such attain honor in Paradise .
  • Rebuke to Disbelievers (Verses 36–44):
    Mocks the disbelievers’ delusion of entering Paradise despite rejecting resurrection. Allah warns He can replace them with better people. On Judgment Day, they will emerge from graves “like scattered moths,” humiliated and shamed .

4. Conclusion

The Prophet is urged to patiently endure mockery, leaving disbelievers to face their destined humiliation. The Surah closes by reaffirming divine power over human arrogance .

Key Insight from Maududi:

The “50,000-year Day” underscores Allah’s transcendence over time, contrasting human shortsightedness. Disbelievers’ demands for immediate punishment reveal ignorance of cosmic timescales and divine wisdom . Hoarding wealth and denying the Hereafter are central sins leading to doom, while social responsibility and spiritual discipline define salvation .

Key Points

  • Chapter 70, Surah Al-Ma’arij, is a Meccan surah with 44 verses, focusing on the inevitability of the Day of Judgment and the contrasting fates of believers and disbelievers.
  • It seems likely that the surah addresses disbelievers demanding punishment, describing the Day of Judgment lasting 50,000 years, and highlighting the qualities of the righteous, such as regular prayer and generosity.
  • Research suggests the surah warns of divine justice, emphasizing Allah’s power to replace disbelievers and the severe consequences for denial, while promising Paradise for the pious.

Summary

Overview
Surah Al-Ma’arij, the 70th chapter of the Quran, consists of 44 verses revealed in Mecca. Its name, “Al-Ma’arij,” means “The Ways of Ascent,” referring to the paths by which angels ascend to Allah. This surah serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment and the importance of faith and good deeds.

Response to Disbelievers
The surah begins by addressing disbelievers who demanded that the warned punishment be hastened, with Allah responding that it is inevitable and will come at its appointed time, emphasizing they cannot escape it.

Description of the Day of Judgment
It describes the Day of Judgment, noting it will last 50,000 years, a duration also mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj 22:47 and Surah As-Sajdah 32:5. The sky will be like molten brass, and mountains like wool, illustrating the event’s severity.

Characteristics of Believers and Disbelievers

  • Believers: Described as those who pray regularly, are constant in prayers, share wealth with the needy (not obligatory zakat, as it’s Makkan), believe in the Day of Recompense, fear Allah’s punishment, guard their private parts (except with spouses or rightful possessions), fulfill trusts and covenants, and are upright in testimonies. They will live honorably in Paradise.
  • Disbelievers: Depicted as denying the truth, impatient, and facing severe punishment, with warnings of disgrace and humiliation on Judgment Day.

Allah’s Power and Warning
The surah emphasizes Allah’s power, stating He can replace disbelievers with better people and is not overpowered. It concludes warning disbelievers to engage in vain talk until they face the promised Day, coming forth from graves hastily, with eyes downcast and disgrace overwhelming them.

Supporting Resources
For further reading, refer to Tafheemul Quran – Surah Al-Ma’arij 70:1-44 and related tafsirs like Maarif, Dawat, Ishraq, and Clear.

The surah opens with the phrase “Saala saailun bi ‘azaabin waqi’,” interpreted as “A demander demanded the punishment that is bound to happen.” Tafheemul Quran notes that this refers to the disbelievers of Makkah who challenged the Prophet, demanding that if the warned punishment was true, it should be hastened, as mentioned in Surah Al-Anfaal 8:32 and other places. The commentary links this to Nadr bin al-Harith’s historical challenge, demanding stones be rained down if the Quran was from Allah.

Comprehensive Analysis of Chapter 70 (Surah Al-Ma’arij) from Tafheemul Quran

This section provides an in-depth exploration of chapter 70 (Surah Al-Ma’arij) from Tafheemul Quran, offering a detailed breakdown of its themes, commentary, and implications, based on the insights from Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s interpretation. The analysis aims to cover all aspects discussed in the initial summary, expanding on each with additional context and scholarly references, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in Islamic exegesis.

Background and Context

Surah Al-Ma’arij, the 70th chapter of the Quran, is a Meccan surah, revealed during the early period of Prophet Muhammad’s mission in Mecca, when opposition had started but was not yet tyrannical. Tafheemul Quran, authored by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, is a significant work of tafsir that combines traditional exegesis with modernist interpretations, providing detailed commentary on the Quranic text. This surah is noted for its emphasis on eschatology, divine justice, and the qualities of believers and disbelievers, aligning with the Meccan chapters’ focus on establishing the prophethood and calling to monotheism.

Thematic Analysis

The surah can be divided into several thematic sections, each addressing different aspects of faith, accountability, and divine revelation. Below is a detailed examination, supported by the commentary from Tafheemul Quran.

1. Response to Disbelievers’ Demand for Punishment (Verses 1-3)
  • Key Insight: This section serves as a rhetorical response, emphasizing that the punishment is inevitable and will come at its appointed time, countering the disbelievers’ impatience and denial.
2. Description of the Day of Judgment (Verses 4, 8-10, 43-44)

Verses 4, 8-10, and 43-44 vividly describe the Day of Judgment:

  • Verse 4 states, “The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a Day whose measure is fifty thousand years,” with Tafheemul Quran noting this duration is also mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj 22:47 and Surah As-Sajdah 32:5, interpreted as the scale of divine reckoning, not literal human time.
  • Verses 8-9 describe the sky as like molten brass and mountains like wool, illustrating the transformation and severity.
  • Verses 43-44 depict the disbelievers coming forth from their graves hastily, with eyes downcast and disgrace overwhelming them, emphasizing the awe and inevitability of the day.
  • Key Insight: These descriptions are rhetorical devices to instill fear and hope, encouraging believers to prepare and disbelievers to reconsider, with specific imagery like molten brass and wool highlighting the cosmic scale.
3. Characteristics of Believers vs. Disbelievers (Verses 19-35, 36-39)

Verses 19-35 detail the qualities of believers and disbelievers:

  • Believers (Verses 22-35): Described as:
  • Those who pray and are constant in their prayers (Verses 22-23).
  • Those in whose wealth there is a known right for those who ask and those dispossessed (Verses 24-25), noted as not obligatory zakat since Makkan, contrasting with later Madinan revelations.
  • Those who believe in the Day of Recompense and fear Allah’s punishment (Verses 26-28).
  • Those who guard their private parts, except with spouses or those whom their right hands possess, with any transgression condemned (Verses 29-31).
  • Those who fulfill trusts and covenants and are upright in testimonies (Verses 32-34).
  • All these will live honorably in the Gardens (Verse 35), linked to Surahs like Adh-Dhariyat 51:19, Al-Mominoon 23:60, etc.
  • Disbelievers (Verses 19-21, 36-39): Depicted as impatient by nature, wailing when evil befalls and tight-fisted when good fortune visits, except for the believers (Verses 19-21). They are warned of severe punishment, with Verses 36-39 noting their denial and the angels’ and Spirit’s ascent, emphasizing divine authority.
  • Key Insight: This contrast serves as a moral and social critique, encouraging piety and warning against denial, with detailed characteristics providing a model for behavior.
4. Allah’s Power and Warning (Verses 40-42)

Verses 40-42 emphasize Allah’s power:

  • Verse 40 swears by the Lord of the easts and wests, affirming His authority.
  • Verse 41 states He has the power to replace them with better people, and Verse 42 notes He shall not be overpowered, reinforcing divine omnipotence.
  • Key Insight: This section underscores Allah’s ability to enact justice, serving as a warning to disbelievers and reassurance to believers, with the oath by easts and wests highlighting cosmic scope.

Comparative Analysis and Scholarly References

Tafheemul Quran’s interpretation aligns with traditional exegesis but includes modernist elements, such as discussions on sociology and history. For instance, the duration of 50,000 years is compared to Surah Al-Hajj and Surah As-Sajdah, providing a broader narrative context. References to other surahs, such as Al-Anfaal 8:32 for disbelievers’ challenges and Adh-Dhariyat 51:19 for believers’ qualities, enrich the commentary, offering a holistic understanding.

Summary Table of Key Themes and Verses

ThemeVersesKey Message Response to Disbelievers 1-3 Addresses disbelievers demanding punishment, emphasizing its inevitability. Day of Judgment Description 4, 8-10, 43-44 Describes day lasting 50,000 years, sky like molten brass, mountains like wool. Believers’ Qualities 22-35 Highlights prayer, generosity, belief in recompense, guarding private parts, etc., promising Paradise. Disbelievers’ Characteristics 19-21, 36-39 Depicts impatience, denial, and warned punishment. Allah’s Power and Warning 40-42 Emphasizes Allah’s ability to replace and not be overpowered, warning disbelievers.

Conclusion

Surah Al-Ma’arij, as interpreted in Tafheemul Quran, is a multifaceted chapter addressing eschatology, divine justice, and the contrasting fates of believers and disbelievers. It responds to disbelievers’ challenges, vividly describes the Day of Judgment, and affirms the qualities of the righteous, concluding with a warning of divine power and accountability. The commentary enriches understanding by connecting themes to broader Quranic narratives and historical contexts, making it a valuable resource for theological and moral reflection.

Supporting Resources
For further reading, refer to Tafheemul Quran – Surah Al-Ma’arij 70:1-44

For deeper analysis, refer to Tafheem-ul-Qur’an.