Classification of Qur’anic Surahs and Their Importance in Muslim Life for SS 1

Classification of Suwar of the Glorious Qur’an and its Importance in Muslim Life

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define Makkī and Madani suwar;
2. differentiate between the Makkī and Madani suwar through their characteristics;
3. list the Makkī and Madani suwar;
4. discuss the spiritual, moral, legal, social, political and economic importance of the Glorious Qur’an.

Memory Verse

The Glorious Qur’an states:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Qur’an Reading

The following Qur’anic passages are important for understanding the revelation and importance of the Qur’an:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
2. Surah Al-Isra 17:105-106
3. Surah An-Nahl 16:89
4. Surah Al-Furqan 25:1
5. Surah Al-Hijr 15:9

Introduction to the Revelation of the Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an is the sacred book of Islam, revealed by Allah (SWT) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a period of approximately 23 years. This revelation began in the year 610 CE when the Prophet was 40 years old, and continued until shortly before his death in 632 CE.

The Qur’an was revealed gradually, in parts, to address specific situations, answer questions, and guide the Muslim community as it developed. This gradual revelation allowed the teachings to be absorbed and implemented effectively by the early Muslims.

Division of Chapters (Suwar) of the Qur’an

The chapters of the Glorious Qur’an, known as Suwar (singular: Surah), are traditionally classified into two main categories based on the time and place of their revelation. These categories are Makkī Suwar and Madani Suwar.

This classification is crucial for understanding the context of the verses and the historical development of Islamic teachings. It helps Muslims appreciate how the message of Islam unfolded and adapted to the changing circumstances of the nascent Muslim community.

What are Makkī Suwar?

Makkī Suwar are the chapters or verses of the Qur’an that were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) before his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.

These revelations occurred during the Prophet’s 13 years of preaching in Makkah, a period characterised by the early establishment of Islam and the persecution faced by the small Muslim community.

What are Madani Suwar?

Madani Suwar are the chapters or verses of the Qur’an that were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.

These revelations took place during the 10 years the Prophet spent in Madinah, a period when the Muslim community grew, established a state, and faced new challenges related to governance, law, and social organisation.

Characteristics of Makkī Suwar

Makkī Suwar generally possess distinct characteristics that reflect the early stage of Islam and the environment in Makkah. These characteristics include:

1. Focus on Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): Makkī revelations strongly emphasise the absolute oneness of Allah (SWT) and condemn polytheism (Shirk). They call people to worship Allah alone and reject idols.
2. Belief in the Hereafter: These Surahs frequently discuss the Day of Judgment, resurrection, heaven (Jannah), and hell (Jahannam), aiming to instill a sense of accountability and motivate righteous conduct.
3. Stories of Past Prophets: Many Makkī Surahs contain narratives of earlier prophets like Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Lut (Lot). These stories serve as lessons for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his followers, offering encouragement and warnings.
4. Short and Forceful Verses: The verses in Makkī Suwar are often short, rhythmic, and powerful, designed to capture attention and convey a strong message to a resistant audience.
5. Arguments Against Disbelief: They contain logical arguments and challenges to the disbelievers, refuting their claims and inviting them to reflect on the signs of Allah in the universe.
6. Call to Basic Morality: Makkī revelations establish fundamental moral principles such as truthfulness, patience, kindness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
7. Emphasis on the Qur’an’s Divine Origin: These Surahs frequently assert that the Qur’an is a divine revelation and a miracle from Allah (SWT).

Examples of Makkī Suwar include:

1. Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening)
2. Surah Al-An’am (The Cattle)
3. Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights)
4. Surah Yunus (Jonah)
5. Surah Hud (Hud)
6. Surah Yusuf (Joseph)
7. Surah Ibrahim (Abraham)
8. Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave)
9. Surah Maryam (Mary)
10. Surah Taha (Ta-Ha)
11. Surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets)
12. Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage)
13. Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers)
14. Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion)
15. Surah Ash-Shu’ara (The Poets)
16. Surah An-Naml (The Ants)
17. Surah Al-Qasas (The Stories)
18. Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider)
19. Surah Ar-Rum (The Romans)
20. Surah Luqman (Luqman)
21. Surah As-Sajdah (The Prostration)
22. Surah Saba (Sheba)
23. Surah Fatir (The Originator)
24. Surah Ya-Sin (Ya-Sin)
25. Surah As-Saffat (Those Who Set Ranks)
26. Surah Sad (Sad)
27. Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops)
28. Surah Ghafir (The Forgiver)
29. Surah Fussilat (Explained in Detail)
30. Surah Ash-Shura (The Consultation)
31. Surah Az-Zukhruf (The Gold Adornments)
32. Surah Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke)
33. Surah Al-Jathiyah (The Kneeling)
34. Surah Al-Ahqaf (The Sand Dunes)
35. Surah Qaf (Qaf)
36. Surah Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds)
37. Surah At-Tur (The Mount)
38. Surah An-Najm (The Star)
39. Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon)
40. Surah Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious)
41. Surah Al-Waqi’ah (The Event)
42. Surah Al-Hadid (The Iron)
43. Surah Al-Mujadilah (The Pleading Woman)
44. Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering)
45. Surah Al-Mumtahanah (She That Is To Be Examined)
46. Surah As-Saff (The Ranks)
47. Surah Al-Jumu’ah (Friday)
48. Surah Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites)
49. Surah At-Taghabun (Mutual Disillusion)
50. Surah At-Talaq (Divorce)
51. Surah At-Tahrim (The Prohibition)
52. Surah Al-Mulk (The Sovereignty)
53. Surah Al-Qalam (The Pen)
54. Surah Al-Haqqah (The Inevitable)
55. Surah Al-Ma’arij (The Ascending Stairways)
56. Surah Nuh (Noah)
57. Surah Al-Jinn (The Jinn)
58. Surah Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One)
59. Surah Al-Muddaththir (The Cloaked One)
60. Surah Al-Qiyamah (The Resurrection)
61. Surah Al-Insan (Man)
62. Surah Al-Mursalat (The Emissaries)
63. Surah An-Naba (The Tidings)
64. Surah An-Nazi’at (Those Who Drag Forth)
65. Surah Abasa (He Frowned)
66. Surah At-Takwir (The Overthrowing)
67. Surah Al-Infitar (The Cleaving)
68. Surah Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)
69. Surah Al-Inshiqaq (The Rending Asunder)
70. Surah Al-Buruj (The Constellations)
71. Surah At-Tariq (The Nightcomer)
72. Surah Al-A’la (The Most High)
73. Surah Al-Ghashiyah (The Overwhelming)
74. Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn)
75. Surah Al-Balad (The City)
76. Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun)
77. Surah Al-Layl (The Night)
78. Surah Ad-Duha (The Morning Hours)
79. Surah Al-Inshirah (The Opening Forth)
80. Surah At-Tin (The Fig)
81. Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot)
82. Surah Al-Qadr (The Power)
83. Surah Al-Bayyinah (The Clear Proof)
84. Surah Az-Zalzalah (The Earthquake)
85. Surah Al-Adiyat (The Chargers)
86. Surah Al-Qari’ah (The Striking Calamity)
87. Surah At-Takathur (The Rivalry in Worldly Increase)
88. Surah Al-Asr (The Time)
89. Surah Al-Humazah (The Slanderer)
90. Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant)
91. Surah Quraysh (Quraysh)
92. Surah Al-Ma’un (The Small Kindnesses)
93. Surah Al-Kawthar (The Abundance)
94. Surah Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers)
95. Surah An-Nasr (The Divine Support)
96. Surah Al-Masad (The Palm Fiber)
97. Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Sincerity)
98. Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak)
99. Surah An-Nas (Mankind)

Characteristics of Madani Suwar

Madani Suwar reflect the establishment of the Islamic state in Madinah and the need for detailed legislation and social guidance. Their characteristics include:

1. Elaboration of Islamic Law (Shari’ah): Madani revelations contain detailed laws concerning worship (Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj), family matters (marriage, divorce, inheritance), criminal justice, economics (trade, interest), and international relations.
2. Longer Verses and Chapters: The verses and chapters in Madani Suwar are generally longer, providing comprehensive explanations and legal rulings.
3. Addressing the People of the Book: These Surahs frequently address Jews and Christians (Ahl al-Kitab), inviting them to Islam, clarifying their scriptures, and refuting their misconceptions.
4. Dealing with Hypocrites (Munafiqun): A significant portion of Madani revelations exposes the characteristics and plots of hypocrites within the Muslim community, warning believers against them.
5. Social and Community Regulations: They establish rules for social conduct, community building, justice, charity, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the Muslim society.
6. Emphasis on Jihad: Madani Surahs discuss the concept of Jihad (struggle in the way of Allah), including defensive warfare, its rules, and its purpose in protecting the Muslim community and spreading justice.
7. Detailed Narratives of Battles: Accounts of battles fought by the early Muslims, such as Badr and Uhud, are found in Madani Surahs, providing lessons and guidance for the community.

Examples of Madani Suwar include:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow)
2. Surah Al-Imran (Family of Imran)
3. Surah An-Nisa (The Women)
4. Surah Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread)
5. Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)
6. Surah At-Tawbah (The Repentance)
7. Surah Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder)
8. Surah An-Nur (The Light)
9. Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)
10. Surah Muhammad (Muhammad)
11. Surah Al-Fath (The Victory)
12. Surah Al-Hujurat (The Rooms)
13. Surah Al-Hadid (The Iron)
14. Surah Al-Mujadilah (The Pleading Woman)
15. Surah Al-Hashr (The Gathering)
16. Surah Al-Mumtahanah (She That Is To Be Examined)
17. Surah As-Saff (The Ranks)
18. Surah Al-Jumu’ah (Friday)
19. Surah Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites)
20. Surah At-Taghabun (Mutual Disillusion)
21. Surah At-Talaq (Divorce)
22. Surah At-Tahrim (The Prohibition)

Differentiating Between Makkī and Madani Suwar

Understanding the differences between Makkī and Madani Suwar is essential for interpreting the Qur’an correctly. The key distinctions are based on their characteristics:

1. Period of Revelation: Makkī Suwar were revealed before the Hijrah (migration to Madinah), while Madani Suwar were revealed after the Hijrah.
2. Place of Revelation: Makkī Suwar were primarily revealed in Makkah and its surroundings, whereas Madani Suwar were revealed in Madinah and its surroundings.
3. Themes and Subject Matter: Makkī Suwar focus on fundamental beliefs like Tawhid, the Hereafter, and prophethood. Madani Suwar, on the other hand, deal with legislation, social laws, governance, and community organisation.
4. Length of Verses: Makkī verses are generally shorter and more poetic, while Madani verses are typically longer and more detailed, especially when outlining legal rulings.
5. Audience Addressed: Makkī revelations often address humanity at large or the disbelievers in Makkah. Madani revelations frequently address the believers, the People of the Book, and the hypocrites within the established Muslim community.
6. Style and Tone: Makkī Suwar often have a passionate and admonitory tone, using parables and oaths. Madani Suwar adopt a more legislative and instructional tone, providing clear directives.

Importance of the Glorious Qur’an in Muslim Life

The Glorious Qur’an is the central and most important source of guidance for Muslims worldwide. Its importance permeates every aspect of Muslim life, providing spiritual, moral, legal, social, political, and economic direction.

Spiritual Importance

For Muslims, the Qur’an is the direct word of Allah (SWT), offering a profound connection to the Divine. Reading, reciting, and reflecting upon its verses are acts of worship that bring spiritual peace and closeness to Allah. It serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s power, mercy, and wisdom, strengthening a Muslim’s faith (Iman). The Qur’an also offers solace and healing for the heart, guiding individuals through life’s challenges and sorrows.

Moral Importance

The Qur’an lays down a comprehensive code of ethics and morality. It teaches Muslims about virtues such as honesty, justice, kindness, patience, humility, and forgiveness. It condemns vices like lying, cheating, backbiting, arrogance, and oppression. By adhering to Qur’anic moral teachings, Muslims strive to develop good character (Akhlaq) and become exemplary individuals in their communities. It encourages self-discipline and a constant effort to do good and avoid evil.

Legal Importance

The Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic law (Shari’ah). It provides fundamental principles and specific rulings on various aspects of life, including worship (Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj), family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance), criminal justice, and commercial transactions. These laws ensure fairness, order, and justice within Muslim society. While the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad) further elaborates on these laws, the Qur’an remains the foundational text for all legal matters.

Social Importance

The Qur’an promotes the establishment of a just, compassionate, and harmonious society. It emphasises the importance of family ties, respect for elders, care for orphans and the needy, and good neighbourliness. It encourages charity (Sadaqah) and social welfare, fostering a sense of collective responsibility among Muslims. The Qur’an also teaches about equality among all people, regardless of race or social status, and calls for unity and brotherhood within the Muslim Ummah.

Political Importance

The Qur’an provides principles for good governance and leadership. It stresses the importance of justice, consultation (Shura), accountability, and upholding the rights of all citizens. It guides leaders to rule with fairness and compassion, and to serve the welfare of the people. The Qur’an also outlines the responsibilities of citizens towards their leaders, encouraging obedience in matters that are lawful and righteous, and advocating for justice against oppression.

Economic Importance

The Qur’an establishes ethical guidelines for economic activities. It prohibits interest (Riba), gambling (Maysir), and fraudulent practices, promoting fair trade, honest dealings, and equitable distribution of wealth. It encourages earning a lawful livelihood (Halal) and spending in the way of Allah (Infaq). The institution of Zakat (obligatory charity) is a key economic principle in the Qur’an, ensuring that wealth circulates and reaches the less fortunate, thereby reducing poverty and inequality in society.