Surah
Definition
A Surah (Arabic: سورة, Turkish: Sure) is traditionally understood as a “‘chapter” within the Qur’an. The Qur’an, Islam’s holy scripture, comprises 114 such surahs. These surahs are organized primarily by length, descending from the longest to the shortest, rather than in the order they were revealed.
Etymology
The term Surah comes from the Arabic root “سور”, which connotes a series of steps or stages, emphasizing the idea of successive revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad.
Classification
At an early stage, Muslim scholars began distinguishing between the surahs revealed during the Meccan period (when Muhammad was in Mecca) and the Medinan period (when he lived in Medina). Each of these periods is associated with particular themes and context:
- Meccan Surahs: These are usually shorter and deal with universal themes such as monotheism, the afterlife, and the nature of human beings. They emphasize the primacy of God’s will, and aim at belief establishment.
- Medinan Surahs: Longer and more detailed, these were often revealed in response to specific social, legal, and political circumstances faced by the burgeoning Muslim community. They cover topics such as legislation, social welfare, and community governance.
Structural Characteristics
Each surah opens with the Bismillah (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ), meaning “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” except for Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9). Surahs are further segmented into verses (ayats), with the longest being Surah Al-Baqarah and the shortest being Surah Al-Kawthar.
Cultural and Theological Significance
While the surahs differ in length and content, they all serve as foundational texts for Islamic theology, law, and daily devotional practices. Reciting, memorizing, and reflecting upon the surahs are core aspects of Muslim worship and spiritual life.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Study Quran edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Quranic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation by John Wansbrough
- Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations by Michael Sells
- An Interpretation of the Qur’an by A. J. Arberry
Takeaways
- The Qur’an is composed of 114 surahs.
- Surahs are ordered generally from longest to shortest.
- They are classified as Meccan or Medinan, based on the period of revelation.
- Surahs provide universal guidance or respond to specific contexts.
Conclusion
Surah plays a crucial role in Islamic scripture and practice, offering a structural and thematic framework for understanding the Qur’an. From historical revelations to modern recitations, surahs are central to the spiritual and communal life of Muslims worldwide.
