Tafsir of Al-Ma'aarij 70:3

{From Allah} is linked to {deflecting/repelling}. It denotes inception; meaning: there is no one to deflect it away from His side—Mighty and Majestic is He—due to the connection of His will—Exalted is He—to it.

It is also said that it is linked to {falling/occurring}. It is argued that this is only valid according to the opinions other than those of al-Hasan and Qatadah. According to their views, it necessitates separation by a foreign element, because for {the disbelievers} in that reading is the answer to a question. Furthermore, if the link to {occurring}—according to those other than the two mentioned—is also made for {the disbelievers} to be connected to it, it would be clearer; otherwise, it would necessitate a separation between the operative and the operated-upon by something that is not part of its completion, though it is not foreign in every respect.

{Lord of the Ways of Ascent} In language, these are the "degrees" (stages/levels). The intended meaning, according to what is narrated from Ibn Abbas, is the heavens in which the angels ascend from one heaven to another. Some do not specify them, saying: meaning "Possessor of the ascents" through which the angels ascend with commands and prohibitions. It is also said that these are spiritual stations in which deeds and invocations exist, or ranks in the spiritual path by which the traveling believers ascend, or the ranks of the angels—upon them be peace.

Abd ibn Humayd narrated from Qatadah that it is interpreted as "virtues and blessings," and Ibn al-Mundhir and Ibn Abi Abbas narrated something similar. It is also said that they are the chambers that Allah—the Exalted—has prepared for His saints in Paradise. The most appropriate interpretation, given what the context of awe necessitates, is that which is most indicative of His might—Mighty and Majestic is He—and the greatness of His kingdom—Exalted is His status.