The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 323
CHAPTER 70 AL-MA'ĀRIJ (Revealed before Hijrah) Introductory Remarks The Surah derives its title from the 4th verse. It was revealed at Mecca circa the 5th year of the Call, not later than the close of the early Meccan period. Nöldeke, Muir, and some other eminent authorities, assign this date to the revelation of the Surah. In the preceding Surah the disbelievers were warned that the great Calamity () would soon overtake them if they did not repent of their sins and accept the Divine Message. The present Surah opens with a mention of the disbelievers' demand, viz. when will the threatened punishment be? They are told that it would soon be upon them, nay, it is at their door, and that when it comes, it would be so overwhelming and devastating that it would cause the mountains to fly like flakes of wool, and that the disbelievers would wish to part with their near and dear ones—their wives, children and brothers as a ransom for themselves. Then it would be too late to repent and they would burn in hellfire which would strip off their skins. But God's righteous servants will enjoy perfect happiness and security in "Gardens"—honoured and loved by their Lord. Towards the close of the Surah, disbelievers are told again, that due to the Muslims now being few in number, and weak, the disbelievers consider prophecies about the glorious future of Islam as only the dream of a visionary, but the time was fast approaching when, with their eyes cast down, they would hasten to the Holy Prophet to accept Islam. Then they would realize, to their shame and sorrow, that what the Prophet had foretold about their eventual defeat was only too true. 3219