From Allah, owner of the ways of ascent

The word ‎ٱلۡمَعَارِجِ‎ comes from ‎عَرَجَ‎, meaning to climb stairs or ascend—going higher and higher.

According to a report from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the word “ma‘arij” means degrees that encompass every level of existence, material and spiritual. It refers to all the ranks and degrees, layer upon layer, of the physical and spiritual realms through which angels and souls ascend and descend. The attribute “Dhi’l-ma‘arij” (Owner of the degrees) expresses that Almighty Allah is the Owner and Master of all these ranks, that everything will return to Him, and that everything will ultimately reach Him. In other words, this attribute reveals Allah’s exalted station above every rank, His greatness and His majesty.