What defines a Meccan surah in Islamic tradition based on its revelation timing?

According to Islamic tradition, a Meccan surah is a chapter of the Qur'an that was revealed chronologically earlier, specifically before the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijra.

How do Meccan surahs differ from Medinan surahs in terms of their revelation period?

Meccan surahs are those chapters of the Qur'an believed to have been revealed before the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina. In contrast, Medinan surahs are those revealed after this migration.

What is the approximate number of Meccan surahs according to tradition?

Tradition holds that there are 86 Meccan surahs.

What general stylistic differences are noted between Meccan and Medinan surahs regarding verse length and overall length?

Meccan surahs are typically shorter than Medinan surahs, and they generally feature relatively short verses (known as *ayyat*). This contrasts with Medinan surahs, which tend to be longer and have longer verses.

What is the typical ordering of Quranic chapters, and how does this relate to the length of Meccan surahs?

As a general rule, the chapters (*suwar*) of the Qur'an are ordered from longest to shortest. Consequently, most Meccan surahs, being shorter, tend to appear towards the end of the Qur'an.

What is the significance of the *asbab al-nuzul* in determining whether a surah is Meccan or Medinan?

The *asbab al-nuzul*, which refers to the timing and contextual background of their revelation, is the primary basis for classifying surahs as either Meccan or Medinan within Islamic tradition.

What does the term *ayyat* refer to in the context of the Qur'an?

The term *ayyat* (singular *ayah*) refers to the verses or signs within the Qur'an. Meccan surahs are noted for having relatively short *ayyat*.

What is the significance of the 1924 Egyptian standard edition regarding the chronological order of the Qur'an?

The 1924 Egyptian standard edition of the Qur'an adopted a specific chronological order, which became widely accepted and influential in the traditional classification of surahs.

What is one of the key stylistic criteria for identifying a surah as Meccan, related to prostration?

A chapter is generally considered Meccan if it contains a verse that commands prostration to Allah. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

Which two chapters are exceptions to the rule that a chapter commanding prostration to Allah is Meccan?

Chapters 13 (Ar-Ra'd) and 22 (Al-Hajj) are exceptions to the rule, meaning they contain verses commanding prostration but are not classified solely based on this criterion as Meccan.

What specific word, when found in a chapter, is a strong indicator of it being Meccan, and where are these words typically located in the Qur'an?

The word *kalla*, meaning 'never', is a strong indicator that a chapter is Meccan. These instances of *kalla* are found exclusively in the latter half of the Qur'an.

What phrase is characteristic of Meccan surahs when addressing people, and what phrase is typically absent?

Meccan surahs often contain the phrase *Ya ayyuha al-nas* (O mankind), but typically lack the phrase *Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu* (O you who believe).

Which chapter is an exception to the rule regarding the phrase 'O you who believe' in Meccan surahs?

Chapter 22 (Al-Hajj) is an exception to the rule; it contains the phrase *Ya ayyuha al-nas* (O mankind) but is not classified solely as Meccan based on this characteristic.

What is a common characteristic of chapters that begin with *muqatta'at* in terms of their classification?

Chapters that begin with the disjointed letters known as *muqatta'at* are generally classified as Meccan.

Which chapters are exceptions to the rule that chapters starting with *muqatta'at* are Meccan?

Chapters 2 (Al-Baqara), 3 (Al Imran), and 13 (Ar-Ra'd) are exceptions to the rule, as they begin with *muqatta'at* but are not classified as Meccan.

What types of stories or narratives within a chapter generally indicate it is Meccan, and which chapter is a notable exception?

Chapters that relate the story of Adam and Iblis (Satan) are generally considered Meccan, with Chapter 2 (Al-Baqara) being the exception. Similarly, chapters recounting the stories of previous prophets and their peoples are typically Meccan, again with Chapter 2 as the exception.

Beyond specific words or phrases, what are some general stylistic features of Meccan verses?

Stylistically, Meccan verses are often characterized by their short length, a strong rhetorical style, and a distinct rhythmic sound. They also frequently employ emphasis, exhortation, analogies, and oaths.

What are the primary thematic focuses of Meccan surahs concerning core Islamic beliefs?

Meccan surahs primarily emphasize the belief in Allah, the concept of the Day of Judgement, and descriptions of Hell and Paradise. They also focus on the oneness of God and refute the polytheistic practice of associating partners with Allah.

What ethical principles and moral behaviors are emphasized in Meccan surahs?

Meccan surahs call for adherence to good morals and universal ethical conduct, such as truthfulness, kindness to relatives and neighbors, and generosity towards the less fortunate.

How do Meccan surahs typically warn polytheists about the consequences of rejecting divine messages?

Meccan surahs often warn polytheists by recounting the stories of previous messengers and the subsequent punishment that befell their rejecting communities, illustrating the consequences of disbelief.

Who is credited with proposing a widely accepted chronological order for the Meccan surahs?

Abu al-Qasim `Umar ibn Muhammad ibn `Abd al-Kafi is credited with proposing a chronological order of Meccan surahs that became widely accepted as the 'traditional order'.

How many chapters are included in the traditional chronological order of Meccan surahs?

The traditional chronological order, as proposed by Abu al-Qasim `Umar ibn Muhammad ibn `Abd al-Kafi, includes 86 chapters.

According to the traditional order, what is the first Meccan surah listed?

The first Meccan surah listed in the traditional chronological order is Surah 96 (Al-Alaq).

According to the traditional order, what is the last Meccan surah listed?

The last Meccan surah listed in the traditional chronological order is Surah 83 (Al-Mutaffifin).

What is the Nöldeke-Schwally chronology, and who developed it?

The Nöldeke-Schwally chronology is another proposed chronological order for the Quranic surahs, developed by Theodor Nöldeke and later revised by Friedrich Schwally and Gotthelf Bergsträsser.

How many chapters are included in the Nöldeke-Schwally chronology?

The Nöldeke-Schwally chronology includes 90 chapters.

In the Nöldeke-Schwally chronology, which surahs are grouped under the fifth and sixth years of Muhammad's mission?

According to the Nöldeke-Schwally chronology, the surahs from the fifth and sixth years of Muhammad's mission include 54, 37, 71, 76, 44, 50, 20, 26, 15, 19, 38, 36, 43, 72, 67, 23, 21, 25, 17, 27, and 18.

What period does the 'First Meccan period' encompass in the context of Quranic revelations?

The First Meccan period refers to the initial phase of Muhammad's public ministry when he began receiving revelations from God.

What were the key characteristics of the First Meccan surahs regarding their structure and transmission?

First Meccan surahs were typically short, making them easy to memorize and transmit orally. They were often used in early Islamic liturgies and, despite their brevity, displayed diverse structures and employed rhymes.

What central theme is prominent in the First Meccan surahs concerning God's existence and power?

A major theme in the First Meccan surahs is demonstrating the obvious existence of God through emphatic oath formulas, often invoking the power of nature. They stress God's role as the creator of everything and His immense generosity.

What is the purpose of the oath formulas involving nature in the First Meccan surahs?

The oath formulas in the First Meccan surahs, which involve elements of nature, are used to emphatically demonstrate how obvious God's existence is to humanity.

What is the tone of the eschatological prophecies found in the First Meccan surahs?

The eschatological prophecies in the First Meccan surahs, though not as elaborated as in later surahs, carry a threatening tone to inform people about the existence of the Day of Judgement and its implications.

What is the average length of verses (*ayyat*) in the second Meccan period surahs?

The verses (*ayyat*) in the second Meccan period surahs average between twelve and twenty syllables in length.

What is described as the typical structure of surahs from the second Meccan period, and what does the middle section often contain?

Surahs from the second Meccan period often maintain and expand upon a tripartite structure. The middle section of these surahs is typically a narrative focusing on prophecy and struggle.

How did the approach towards disbelievers evolve in the second Meccan surahs compared to earlier ones?

Compared to earlier Meccan surahs, those from the second Meccan period tend to use fewer oaths and adopt a much more confrontational approach when addressing disbelievers.

What is noted about the self-referential nature of some surahs from the second Meccan period?

Surahs from the second Meccan period increasingly exhibit self-referentiality, using terms like 'Qur'an' and 'Kitab' to refer to the divine message itself, prompting discussions about its eternal existence versus its role as a message for Muhammad's time.

What historical circumstances define the 'Third Meccan period'?

The Third Meccan period is characterized by the intense persecution of Muhammad and the Muslims by the Quraysh, including a boycott of Muhammad's clan, the Banu Hashim, to pressure them into withdrawing their protection.

What approximate timeframe does the Third Meccan period cover according to the Yusuf Ali translation?

According to the Yusuf Ali translation, the Third Meccan period refers to the time from the seventh year of Muhammad's mission until the Hijra, approximately from 619 to 622 AD.

How did the descriptions of paradise and its inhabitants change from the early Meccan periods to the third Meccan period?

By the third Meccan period, the sensuous imagery of full-bosomed, wide-eyed virgins used in earlier surahs to attract pagans was replaced by references to spouses.

What was the shift in the primary goal of surahs during the third Meccan period?

During the third Meccan period, the primary goal of the surahs shifted from attracting pagans with descriptions of paradise to fostering and encouraging a law-abiding community centered around worshipping the Word of God.

How did Muhammad begin to be addressed directly by God in the Third Meccan period revelations?

In the Third Meccan period, revelations began to address Muhammad directly, rather than solely using him as a conduit for God's message, indicating a closer divine communication.

What are the related topics listed in the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as Medinan surah and List of chapters in the Qur'an.

What is the content of the note associated with reference [a]?

The note associated with reference [a] clarifies that while verses containing disjointed letters (*muqatta'at*) may not be Meccan themselves, the presence of *muqatta'at* generally indicates a Meccan surah, with an example given of the 12th chapter.

Meccan Surah Wiki: The Genesis of Revelation: Understanding Meccan Surahs

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Defining Meccan Surahs

Chronological Context

In Islamic tradition, a Meccan surah (Arabic: makkiyyah) refers to a chapter of the Qur'an whose revelation is believed to have occurred before the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. This period predates the establishment of the formal Islamic community in Medina.

Distinction from Medinan

The classification into Meccan and Medinan surahs is primarily based on the timing and contextual background of their revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl). Medinan surahs, conversely, are those revealed after the Hijra, often addressing the needs and challenges of the nascent Muslim state.

Traditional Attribution

The widely accepted chronological order, including the classification of surahs as Meccan or Medinan, largely follows the system adopted by the 1924 Egyptian standard edition of the Qur'an, which itself was based on earlier scholarly traditions, notably attributed to figures like Ibn Abbas.

There are traditionally 86 Meccan surahs.

Hallmarks of Meccan Revelation

Stylistic Features

Meccan surahs often exhibit distinct stylistic characteristics that scholars use for classification:

Conciseness: Typically feature shorter verses (āyāt) and are generally shorter in length compared to Medinan surahs.
Rhetorical Style: Employ a strong, often rhythmic, and emphatic rhetorical style.
Emphasis and Analogy: Frequent use of emphasis, analogies, and oaths, particularly invoking natural phenomena.

Thematic Focus

Thematic content in Meccan surahs predominantly centers on foundational aspects of faith:

Tawhid (Oneness of God): Emphasis on the absolute sovereignty and uniqueness of Allah.
Prophethood: Affirmation of Muhammad's role as a messenger.
Day of Judgement: Frequent descriptions of resurrection, accountability, Paradise (Jannah), and Hell (Jahannam).
Moral and Ethical Imperatives: Calls for adherence to virtues like truthfulness, kindness to relatives, and social justice.
Arguments against Polytheism: Refutation of associating partners with God (Shirk).

Specific Indicators

Certain linguistic and narrative elements are traditionally considered indicators of Meccan origin:

Any chapter containing a verse commanding prostration (sajdah), except Surahs 13 and 22.
Chapters containing the word "kallā" (never/nay), typically found in the latter half of the Qur'an.
Chapters addressing "O individual" (yā ayyuhā al-nās) without addressing "O you who believe" (yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū), except Surah 22.
Chapters beginning with the disconnected letters (muqaṭṭaʿāt), excluding Surahs 2, 3, and 13.
Chapters relating the story of Adam and Iblis (Satan), excluding Surah 2.
Chapters recounting the stories of previous prophets and their communities, excluding Surah 2.

Phases of Meccan Revelation

First Meccan Period

This phase encompasses the earliest revelations received by Muhammad. These surahs often focus on establishing the existence and oneness of God through reflections on nature. They emphasize fundamental ethical principles and introduce eschatological themes, often using short verses and a tripartite structure, beginning and ending with parallel themes.

Second Meccan Period

Characterized by a blend of features from earlier and later Meccan periods. These surahs tend to have verses of moderate length, employ fewer oaths, and adopt a more confrontational tone towards disbelievers. They also begin to incorporate elements of monotheistic worship and self-referential statements about the Qur'an itself (as recitation or book).

Third Meccan Period

Occurring during a time of increased persecution and social boycott against Muhammad and his clan. Revelations in this period focus heavily on the resurrection, Judgment Day, Paradise, and Hell. The structure becomes longer and less complex, with direct address to Muhammad becoming more prominent. The content shifts towards encouraging believers facing adversity and fostering a cohesive community.

Core Themes and Narratives

Divine Unity and Creation

A central theme is the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid). Meccan surahs often draw attention to the signs of God's power and creation in the natural world—the heavens, the earth, the alternation of night and day—as evidence of His existence and lordship.

Accountability and the Hereafter

The concept of the Day of Judgement is frequently emphasized. These surahs warn against disbelief and wrongdoing by vividly describing the consequences in the afterlife, contrasting the eternal rewards of Paradise with the punishments of Hell.

Moral Conduct and Social Justice

Meccan revelations call for the adoption of high moral standards. This includes kindness to parents and neighbors, honesty, compassion for the poor and orphans, and refraining from arrogance and extravagance. They lay the ethical groundwork for individual conduct.

Confronting Polytheism

These surahs directly address and challenge the polytheistic practices prevalent in Mecca. They argue against the worship of idols and assert the incompatibility of associating partners with the One True God.

Chronological Orderings

Traditional Order (Ibn Abbas)

This ordering, widely adopted, lists 86 Meccan surahs chronologically based on traditional accounts.

The sequence begins with Surah 96 and concludes with Surah 83:

96, 68, 73, 74, 1, 111, 81, 87, 92, 89,

93, 94, 103, 100, 108, 102, 107, 109, 105, 113,

114, 112, 53, 80, 97, 91, 85, 95, 106, 101,

75, 104, 77, 50, 90, 86, 54, 38, 7, 72,

36, 25, 35, 19, 20, 56, 26, 27, 28, 17,

10, 11, 12, 15, 6, 37, 31, 34, 39, 40,

41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 51, 88, 18, 16,

71, 14, 21, 23, 32, 52, 67, 69, 70, 78,

79, 82, 84, 30, 29, 83.

Nöldeke-Schwally Chronology

Developed by Theodor Nöldeke and later refined, this chronology proposes a different sequence, comprising 90 chapters.

First to Fifth Year:

96, 74, 111, 106, 108, 104, 107, 102, 105, 92,

90, 94, 93, 97, 86, 91, 80, 68, 87, 95,

103, 85, 73, 101, 99, 82, 81, 53, 84, 100,

79, 77, 78, 88, 89, 75, 83, 69, 51, 52,

56, 70, 112, 109, 113, 114, 1

Fifth and Sixth Year:

54, 37, 71, 76, 44, 50, 20, 26, 15, 19,

38, 36, 43, 72, 67, 23, 21, 25, 17, 27, 18

Seventh Year to Hijra:

32, 41, 45, 16, 30, 11, 14, 12, 40, 28,

39, 29, 31, 42, 10, 34, 35, 7, 46, 6.

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References

Although the verses actually containing the disjointed letters may not be meccan themselves, such as in the 12th chapter.

(in Reviews) Studie zur Komposition der mekkanischen Suren by Angelika Neuwirth, Review author[s]: A. Rippin, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 45, No. 1. (1982), pp. 149-150.

Robinson, Neal. Discovering the QurÊ¼an: A Contemporary Approach to a Veiled Text. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown UP, 2003. Print.

"Chronological Koran Part III: Late Meccan Period: A.D. 619-622." Wolf Pangloss. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.

Robinson, Neal. Discovering the QurÊ¼an: A Contemporary Approach to a Veiled Text. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown UP, 2003. 88-92.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Meccan surah Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon scholarly interpretations and historical data concerning the Meccan surahs of the Qur'an. The content is based on the provided source material and aims to reflect academic understanding of the topic.

This is not a theological treatise or definitive religious text. The information presented is intended for students of religious studies, history, and related fields. It is based on specific scholarly traditions and chronological frameworks (e.g., Ibn Abbas, Nöldeke-Schwally) and may not represent all interpretations within Islamic scholarship. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and engage with diverse scholarly perspectives for a comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult with qualified scholars and primary texts for authoritative guidance.

Meccan Surahs: The Dawn of Divine Discourse

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Defining Meccan Surahs 📜

🕰️ Chronological Context

⚖️ Distinction from Medinan

📚 Traditional Attribution

Hallmarks of Meccan Revelation ✨

✍️ Stylistic Features

🕌 Thematic Focus

🔍 Specific Indicators

Phases of Meccan Revelation ⏳

🌅 First Meccan Period

🔄 Second Meccan Period

✊ Third Meccan Period

Core Themes and Narratives 📖

☝️ Divine Unity and Creation

⚖️ Accountability and the Hereafter

🗣️ Moral Conduct and Social Justice

⚔️ Confronting Polytheism

Chronological Orderings 🔢

📜 Traditional Order (Ibn Abbas)

🧐 Nöldeke-Schwally Chronology

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Meccan Surahs

Chronological Context

Distinction from Medinan

Traditional Attribution

Hallmarks of Meccan Revelation

Stylistic Features

Thematic Focus

Specific Indicators

Phases of Meccan Revelation

First Meccan Period

Second Meccan Period

Third Meccan Period

Core Themes and Narratives

Divine Unity and Creation

Accountability and the Hereafter

Moral Conduct and Social Justice

Confronting Polytheism

Chronological Orderings

Traditional Order (Ibn Abbas)

Nöldeke-Schwally Chronology

Teacher's Corner

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Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice