Edition 70 of 114
Meccan Bureau
44 Verses
Quran Daily
Revelation. Reported. Truth.
المعارج
Al-Ma'arij
— Al-Ma'arij
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
A warning that the unbelievers will face a punishment that cannot be prevented.
Front Page
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
A warning that the unbelievers will face a punishment that cannot be prevented.
For the disbelievers; none can repel it.
70:2
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahih
To the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer.
en.arberry
for the unbelievers, which none may avert,
en.maududi
(a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert;
en.yusufali
The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-
en.pickthall
Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel,
highest Priority
The Divine Pathways of Ascension
From God, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.
70:3
The 50,000‑Year Day: Your Seconds in the Divine Clock
Unto Him the angels and the Spirit ascend on a Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years.
70:4
The Countdown That Lies in Sight
They see it distant.
70:6
Front Page
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
A warning that the unbelievers will face a punishment that cannot be prevented.
For the disbelievers; none can repel it.
70:2
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahihTo the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer.
en.arberryfor the unbelievers, which none may avert,
en.maududi(a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert;
en.yusufaliThe Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-
en.pickthallUpon the disbelievers, which none can repel,
The Divine Pathways of Ascension
From God, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.
70:3
The 50,000‑Year Day: Your Seconds in the Divine Clock
Unto Him the angels and the Spirit ascend on a Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years.
70:4
The Countdown That Lies in Sight
They see it distant.
70:6
Breaking News
When the Supplicant Seeks a Sure Punishment
Disbelievers
70:1
A questioner questioned the imminent torment.
70:2
For the disbelievers; none can repel it.
The 50,000‑Year Day: Your Seconds in the Divine Clock
AngelsDisbelieversJibrilMuhammad
70:4
Unto Him the angels and the Spirit ascend on a Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years.
70:5
So be patient, with sweet patience.
70:6
They see it distant.
The Solitary Call: Trusting Allah Over Human Bonds
DisbelieversMankind
70:10
No friend will care about his friend.
70:11
They will be shown each other. The criminal wishes he would be redeemed from the punishment of that Day by his children.
70:12
And his spouse, and his brother.
70:13
And his family that sheltered him.
70:14
And everyone on earth, in order to save him.
The Call Back from the Abyss: Reclaiming Truth and Obedience
BelieversDisbelieversMankind
70:17
It invites him who once turned his back and fled.
70:18
And accumulated and hoarded.
70:19
Man was created restless.
70:20
Touched by adversity, he is fretful.
70:21
Touched by good, he is ungenerous.
70:22
Except the prayerful.
70:23
Those who are constant at their prayers.
70:24
And those in whose wealth is a rightful share.
70:25
For the beggar and the deprived.
70:26
And those who affirm the Day of Judgment.
70:27
And those who fear the punishment of their Lord.
The Shield of Self‑Respect
BelieversDisbelieversMuhammad
70:29
And those who guard their chastity.
70:30
Except from their spouses or those living under their control, for then they are free of blame.
70:31
But whoever seeks to go beyond that—these are the transgressors.
70:32
And those who honor their trusts and their pledges.
70:33
And those who stand by their testimonies.
70:34
And those who are dedicated to their prayers.
70:35
These will be honored in Gardens.
70:36
What is with those who disbelieve, stretching their necks towards you.
70:37
From the right, and from the left, banding together?
70:38
Is every one of them aspiring to be admitted into a Garden of Bliss?
70:39
No indeed! We created them from what they know.
Outshining the Rest: A Call to Excellence
DisbelieversMuhammad
70:41
To replace them with better than they, and We are not to be outdone.
70:42
So leave them to blunder and play, until they meet their Day which they are promised.
70:43
The Day when they will emerge from the tombs in a rush, as though they were hurrying towards a target.
70:44
Their eyes cast down; overwhelmed by humiliation. This is the Day which they were promised.
Character Dossier
Disbelievers
group
Total mentions: 1145
In sura: 18
Dominant need: Transcendence
First: Sura 1
· Last: Sura 113
· 94 suras
Believers
group
Total mentions: 878
In sura: 12
Dominant need: Transcendence
First: Sura 1
· Last: Sura 110
· 93 suras
Allah
spiritual entity
Total mentions: 4187
In sura: 8
Dominant need: Transcendence
Jibril
divine command
1 verses
First: Sura 1
· Last: Sura 114
· 112 suras
Total characters in this sura: 7
Audio Edition
44 segments
Narrator: 44
70:1
Narrator
70:2
Narrator
70:3
Narrator
70:4
Narrator
70:5
Narrator
70:6
Narrator
70:7
Narrator
70:8
Narrator
70:9
Narrator
70:10
Narrator
Editorial
FaithAccountabilityAfterlifeWorshipProphets
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
The verse ‘إِلَى الْكَافِرِينَ فَلَا حَافِظَ لَهَا’ reminds us that intercession (istighatha) is a divine privilege granted only to those already in Allah’s favor. Ibn Taymiyyah notes that the Qur’an repeatedly denies any safeguard for the disbeliever, emphasizing personal accountability (hisab). Al-Qurtubi explains that ‘حَافِظَ’ means ‘one who prevents the punishment,’ and since the disbeliever has not earned this status, there is no one to shield them. This reality urges believers to seek Allah’s protection alone, purify the heart, and avoid placing trust in worldly safeguards. Thus, the verse reinforces the principle that ultimate responsibility rests with the individual, not with external intercessors.
70:2
The Divine Pathways of Ascension
In verse 70:3, the Qur’an declares itself "from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent," underscoring that true spiritual elevation is only attainable through the guidance that originates from the Divine. The phrase "ways of ascent" (tariq al-‘arsh) refers to the progressive stages of inner purification, remembrance, and closeness to Allah, as described by scholars such as Ibn Kathir and Al‑Ghazali. They explain that the Qur’an is the sole compass that points believers toward these stages, contrasting worldly routes that promise only temporal gains. By recognizing the Qur’an as the owner of the ascension path, we affirm that every act of worship, decision, and intention must be measured against its alignment with divine guidance. The verse reminds us that Allah’s ownership is not passive; He actively leads the righteous to higher realms, and our sincere reliance upon Him transforms mundane choices into spiritual milestones.
70:3
The 50,000‑Year Day: Your Seconds in the Divine Clock
In Qur’an 70:4, Allah reminds us that His day is not the 24‑hour cycle we perceive but a span of fifty thousand years—a cosmic interval that dwarfs our human notion of time. This verse teaches that our fleeting moments are but a minute in a vast divine clock, urging us to value each instant with the seriousness it deserves. Scholars such as Ibn Kathir note that the angels’ ascent symbolizes the continuous, unbroken worship of Allah, while the ‘Spirit’ (often interpreted as the Angel of Death or the Jinn) underscores the presence of unseen realities within our temporal existence. By recognizing that our ‘day’ is a fraction of a divine day, we are compelled to align our actions with eternal values: remembrance, repentance, and righteous deeds. The verse, therefore, is a profound reminder that time is a mercy—if used wisely, it becomes a ladder to Paradise; if wasted, it is a missed opportunity to ascend alongside the angels.
70:4
The Countdown That Lies in Sight
Surah Al‑Ma’arij reminds those who deny the Day of Judgment that they perceive it as far away, a misconception that permits complacency. In Islamic theology, the qiyāmah is neither a distant future nor a vague concept; it is a reality that will unfold within the lifetime of the believer, as affirmed by the hadith: ‘The Hour will not be far from the believer’ (Sahih Muslim). Ibn Taymiyyah explains that this verse warns against the arrogance of dismissing the imminence of the Day, urging believers to live as if the scales of justice are already balanced. The metaphor of ascending stairways (ma’arij) illustrates the progressive journey toward the Hereafter, where each righteous act ascends toward the divine reward. Recognizing the Day’s proximity fosters mindfulness, transforms priorities, and safeguards against the deception of worldly distractions.
70:6
When the End is Near: A Daily Call to Mindfulness
The verse "But We see it [as] near" reminds us that Allah’s perception of the Day of Judgment is of immediacy, while human perception often feels distant. Islamic scholars, such as Ibn Kathir and Al‑Ghazali, interpret this as a warning against complacency and a call to constant readiness. The word *qareeb* (near) is used elsewhere to describe both temporal closeness and spiritual proximity to Allah. By acknowledging the imminence of the final account, believers are encouraged to purify their intentions (ikhlas), perform extra worship (nafl), and engage in righteous deeds (sadaqah). This awareness cultivates a sense of accountability, ensuring that each act of worship is performed with sincere fear and hope, as emphasized in the Qur’an and the hadiths of the Prophet ﷺ.
70:7
Based on 5 verses
Word of the Edition
Faith
Appears 39 times (16.2% of themes)
240 total tag instances in this edition
Faith
39
Guidance
20
Afterlife
20
Accountability
19
Worship
19
Prophets
17
Creation
14
Mercy
12
Patience
12
Community
10
Repentance
9
Humility
8
Unity
7
Justice
7
Charity
6
Covenant
5
Family
5
Provision
4
Knowledge
4
Gratitude
3
70:1 When the Supplicant Seeks a Sure Punishment
70:2 No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
70:3 The Divine Pathways of Ascension
Cross-Edition References
1, Ayah 6
17 citations
When the Sky Turns to Murky Oil: A Call to Reflection
2:6
17 citations
When the Sky Turns to Murky Oil: A Call to Reflection
Edition 2
2:7
17 citations
When the Sky Turns to Murky Oil: A Call to Reflection
Edition 2
2, Ayah 8
17 citations
When the Sky Turns to Murky Oil: A Call to Reflection
1:1
9 citations
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
Edition 1
1:2
9 citations
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
Edition 1
1:3
9 citations
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
Edition 1
1:4
9 citations
No Shield for the Unbeliever: Guarding Our Own Hearts
Edition 1
2:38
4 citations
Guardians of the Intimate Circle
Edition 2
2:84
4 citations
Guardians of the Intimate Circle
Edition 2
2:126
4 citations
Guardians of the Intimate Circle
Edition 2
2:190
4 citations
Guardians of the Intimate Circle
Edition 2
2:65
3 citations
The Alchemy of Alms: Turning Hoarding into Blessing
Edition 2
2:76
3 citations
The Alchemy of Alms: Turning Hoarding into Blessing
Edition 2
2:87
3 citations
The Alchemy of Alms: Turning Hoarding into Blessing
Edition 2
20 total cross-references
Reader Action
Daily Actions
Identify a personal vulnerability and commit to seeking Allah's protection rather than relying on others. 70:2
Before any major decision or task, pause and ask Allah for guidance, invoking His ownership of the ascension path. 70:3
Treat every minute of your day as a precious second in a 50,000‑year cosmic day—use it to seek Allah’s pleasure. 70:4
Weekly Challenge
The Accountability Journal: For seven days, each day identify one sin you fear, write a specific action to avoid it, recite the dua, and note any change. At the end of the week, reflect on how your sense of personal responsibility has evolved and set one new habit to strengthen that accountability. 70:2
Duas
O Allah, there is no intercessor for those who reject Your guidance. Grant me the humility to seek only Your protection, the strength to guard my heart, and the wisdom to act before the inevitable. 70:2
O Allah, You are the owner of the ways of ascent. Grant me the wisdom to choose the path that leads to You, and protect me from the distractions that lead to decline. 70:3
Reflection
In what ways have I relied on people or circumstances for protection from sin, and how does this verse compel me to take sole responsibility?
How often do I choose a path for immediate worldly gain, neglecting the higher path Allah offers for spiritual ascent?
The Revelation Transcript
1
A questioner questioned the imminent torment.
2
For the disbelievers; none can repel it.
3
From God, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.
4
Unto Him the angels and the Spirit ascend on a Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years.
5
So be patient, with sweet patience.
6
They see it distant.
7
But We see it near.
8
On the Day when the sky will be like molten brass.
9
And the mountains will be like tufted wool.
10
No friend will care about his friend.
11
They will be shown each other. The criminal wishes he would be redeemed from the punishment of that Day by his children.
12
And his spouse, and his brother.
13
And his family that sheltered him.
14
And everyone on earth, in order to save him.
15
By no means! It is a Raging Fire.
16
It strips away the scalps.
17
It invites him who once turned his back and fled.
18
And accumulated and hoarded.
19
Man was created restless.
20
Touched by adversity, he is fretful.
21
Touched by good, he is ungenerous.
22
Except the prayerful.
23
Those who are constant at their prayers.
24
And those in whose wealth is a rightful share.
25
For the beggar and the deprived.
26
And those who affirm the Day of Judgment.
27
And those who fear the punishment of their Lord.
28
Their Lord’s punishment is not to be taken for granted.
29
And those who guard their chastity.
30
Except from their spouses or those living under their control, for then they are free of blame.
31
But whoever seeks to go beyond that—these are the transgressors.
32
And those who honor their trusts and their pledges.
33
And those who stand by their testimonies.
34
And those who are dedicated to their prayers.
35
These will be honored in Gardens.
36
What is with those who disbelieve, stretching their necks towards you.
37
From the right, and from the left, banding together?
38
Is every one of them aspiring to be admitted into a Garden of Bliss?
39
No indeed! We created them from what they know.
40
I swear by the Lord of the Easts and the Wests, that We are Able.
41
To replace them with better than they, and We are not to be outdone.
42
So leave them to blunder and play, until they meet their Day which they are promised.
43
The Day when they will emerge from the tombs in a rush, as though they were hurrying towards a target.
44
Their eyes cast down; overwhelmed by humiliation. This is the Day which they were promised.
44 verses