سُوْرَةُ الْمَعَارِجِ

Surah Al-Ma'aarij (70) — Ayah 3

The Ascending Stairways · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 568

مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ذِى ٱلْمَعَارِجِ ﴿3﴾
From Allâh, the Lord of the ways of ascent.
مِّنَ mina From
ٱللَّهِ l-lahi Allah
ذِى dhī Owner
ٱلْمَعَارِجِ l-maʿāriji (of) the ways of ascent

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 3) {مِنَ اللّٰهِ ذِي الْمَعَارِجِ : ’’ الْمَعَارِجِ ‘‘ ’’عَرَجَ يَعْرُجُ‘‘} (n) is the plural of {’’مِعْرَجٌ‘‘}, an instrument for climbing, a ladder, a stair. That is, do not consider this punishment to be ordinary, rather it will be from that Allah who possesses ladders, meaning His being is extremely exalted. The angels have to pass through many ladders to be presented before Him. By {’’ الْمَعَارِجِ ‘‘} (ladders) is meant the heavens, because the angels ascend through the heavens and are presented before Allah Almighty near Sidrat al-Muntaha.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

3. 1. Or, the Possessor of ranks, the One of high stations, towards Whom the angels ascend.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

3. (This punishment) will come from Allah, the Owner of the ways of ascent [2].

[2]
Literal Explanation of ﴿معارج﴾:

﴿معارج﴾ is the plural of ﴿مِعْرَجْ﴾ and ﴿معراج﴾. In ﴿عَرَجَ﴾, two fundamental things are found: inclination and elevation, and ﴿عَرَجَ فِيْ السِّلْمِ﴾ means to ascend a ladder or staircase. To climb a ladder, one has to lean forward, and ascending towards a height is also more difficult compared to ordinary walking. Also, 'arj' means to walk with a limp, and ﴿أعْرَجَ﴾ means lame, because in limping, these two things are also found: leaning forward and the difficulty similar to climbing a height. And ﴿معراج﴾ means the means of ascending to a height, i.e., a ladder or staircase, etc., and also the elevated place which is intended to be reached. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ experienced ﴿معراج﴾, then ﴿معراج﴾ refers to the elevated station to which Allah Almighty wanted to take him. And ﴿ذِي الْمَعَارِجِ﴾ means that Exalted and Lofty Being before whom all heights are insignificant—the Owner of the highest of high stations. Thus, the punishment that will be deferred for the disbelievers will come from such an Exalted Being.