The First Period of the Qur'an: Eighteen Early Surahs

The First Period of the Qur’an: Eighteen Early Surahs

During the earliest period of the Islamic revelation, eighteen surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an, composed of short rhapsodies, are believed to have been revealed. These surahs are characterized by their brief, poetic, and evocative language. This period marks the initial phase of Muhammad’s prophetic mission, prior to the fully developed concept of a divine revelation.

Key Surahs and Their Themes

1. Surat Al-‘Asr (Chapter 103) - The Chapter of the Afternoon (العصر / Asır)

   • Themes: The temporal nature of human life and the importance of faith, righteous deeds, truth, and patience.
   • Ayahs: 3
   • Content:

     By the time,
     Verily, man is in loss,
     Except those who believe and do good deeds and urge one another to the truth and urge one another to patience.
     

2. Surat Al-‘Adiyat (Chapter 100) - The Chapter of the Chargers (العاديات / Koşanlar)

   • Themes: The imagery of war-horses charging in battle, the ingratitude of man, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment.
   • Ayahs: 11

3. Surat Az-Zalzalah (Chapter 99) - The Chapter of the Earthquake (الزلزلة / Deprem)

   • Themes: The intense shaking of the earth on Judgment Day and the consequences it brings.
   • Ayahs: 8

4. Surat Ash-Shams (Chapter 91) - The Chapter of the Sun (الشمس / Güneş)

   • Themes: The purity of the soul and the fate of the people of Thamud.
   • Ayahs: 15

5. Surat Quraysh (Chapter 106) - The Chapter of Quraysh (قريش / Kureyş)

   • Themes: The Quraysh tribe is urged to thank God for their prosperity derived from their trade caravans.
   • Ayahs: 4

6. Surat Al-Fatihah (Chapter 1) - The Opening (الفاتحة / Açılış Suresi)

   • Themes: A prayer seeking guidance, mercy, and the righteous path.
   • Ayahs: 7
   • Content:

     In the name of God, The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful,
     Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds! The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
     Master of the Day of Judgment.
     It is You we worship, and You we ask for help.
     Guide us on the straight path,
     The path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray.
     

7. Surat Al-Qari’ah (Chapter 101) - The Chapter of the Calamity (القارعة / Korkunç Gürültü)

   • Themes: The terrifying events of the Last Day and the consequences for sinners.
   • Ayahs: 11

8. Surat At-Tin (Chapter 95) - The Chapter of the Fig (التين / İncir)

   • Themes: The creation and degradation of man, judgment, and divine reward and punishment.
   • Ayahs: 8

9. Surat At-Takathur (Chapter 102) - The Chapter of the Mutual Rivalry (التكاثر / Tekasür)

   • Themes: The futility of worldly rivalry and the warning of the afterlife’s consequences.
   • Ayahs: 8

10. Surat Al-Humazah (Chapter 104) - The Chapter of the Backbiter (الهمزة / İnsanları Kötülemek)

    • Themes: The condemnation of slander and backbiting, and the fate of such wrongdoers in Hell.
    • Ayahs: 9

11. Surat Al-Infitār (Chapter 82) - The Chapter of the Cleaving Asunder (الانفطار / Gökyüzü Yarılması)

    • Themes: The signs of the Day of Judgment and the role of guardian angels.
    • Ayahs: 19

12. Surat Al-Layl (Chapter 92) - The Chapter of the Night (الليل / Gece)

    • Themes: The promise of divine reward for charity, fear of God, and belief in the best.
    • Ayahs: 21

13. Surat Al-Fil (Chapter 105) - The Chapter of the Elephant (الفيل / Fil)

    • Themes: The miraculous destruction of the Abyssinian army with elephants, during their invasion of Makkah.
    • Ayahs: 5

14. Surat Al-Fajr (Chapter 89) - The Chapter of the Dawn (الفجر / Aralık)

    • Themes: The fate of previous disbelieving nations, the dangers of relying on wealth and power.
    • Ayahs: 30

15. Surat Al-Balad (Chapter 90) - The Chapter of the City (البلد / Şehir)

    • Themes: The exhortation to practice charity and the critical nature of human choices.
    • Ayahs: 20

16. Surat Ad-Duha (Chapter 93) - The Chapter of the Morning Brightness (الضحى / Kuşluk Zamanı)

    • Themes: Muhammad is consoled by God, urged to remember divine care, and is encouraged to be charitable.
    • Ayahs: 11

17. Surat Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94) - The Chapter of the Expansion (الشرح / Genişleyen)

    • Themes: The ease bestowed upon Muhammad in his mission and God’s assurance of support.
    • Ayahs: 8

18. Surat Al-Kawthar (Chapter 108) - The Chapter of Abundance (الكوثر / Kevser)

    • Themes: Abundance granted to Muhammad, the imperative to offer sacrifices, and a warning that his adversaries will be without progeny.
    • Ayahs: 3

Etymology and Translations

• Surah (سورة): Derived from Arabic meaning “chapter” or “a step up”.
• Qur’an (القرآن): Arabic for “the recitation” or “the reading”.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
2. “In the Shade of the Qur’an” by Sayyid Qutb
3. “Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations” by Michael Sells
4. “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by Abdullah Saeed

Takeaways and Conclusion

The early surahs are pivotal in understanding the developmental phase of Muhammad’s prophethood and the initial spread of Islam. Their themes range from eschatology and divine justice to morality and personal conduct. These surahs are not just historical texts but continue to be recited daily by millions, reflecting enduring values and spiritual guidance. Their poetic brilliance and philosophical depth have continued to attract scholars and devotees alike, inviting both reflection and submission to the divine.

Understanding these early surahs provides valuable insights into the initial phase of Qur’anic revelation, the nascent Islamic community, and the broader historical and cultural canvas of the Arabian Peninsula.