The Characteristics of those Surahs that are Revealed in Makkah

Compiled by: Kazi Nasrat Ali (WA, USA) -Summer 2010

[Bismillahi r-Rahmani r-Rahim – I start my write-up in the name of Allah, the most merciful and the
most beneficent. I seek refuge in Allah, if there is any error or misrepresentation in this write-up; and all
praises and thanks are due to Allah (SWT)]

The Qur'an was revealed over 23 years of the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alaihi wa
Sallam, Peace be upon him, PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived in Makkah for 13 years (610 - 622
C.E.) and in Medinah for 10 years (622 - 632 C.E.). The prophet (PBUH) was 40 years old when the first
surah was revealed in Makkah. The Surahs in the Quran are categorized in two ways – Makki and
Medini. The Surahs that are revealed before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Media are called
Makki Surahs. [There are some difference of opinion about the definition of Makki and Medini Surahs.]
Makki Surahs are mostly revealed in the city of Makkah (some are revealed in Mina, Arafat and other
places). The other Surahs are called Medini Surahs. Some Surahs are a composite.

Classification of the Surahs into these periods is based upon factors such as time and place of revelation,
the length of the verse and the presence or absence of certain key concepts (e.g. Ar-Rahman as name of
God). Makki Surahs are typically shorter, with relatively short ayat, and mostly come near the end of the
Qur'an.

Characteristics of Makki verses

a) General Characteristics
1. The Makki Surahs mainly deal with doctrine of monotheism (Tauheed), the emphasis is
on ‘La Ilaha Illa Allah’ (there is no gods but Allah). These Surahs calls strongly for
worshiping only one God and opposing the general polytheistic belief of the people of
Makkah. Medini Surahs mainly deal with action or the implementation of faith.

2. These Surahs gave details on the attributes of God and His supreme power, the prophet-
hood of Muhammad (PBUH) and the reality of the Day of Judgment. This is illustrated
often by relating stories of past people and prophets and what happened to them when
they rejected the monotheistic message.

3. As the people of Makkah were masters of the classical Arabic language, Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) considered this Qur'an – being the words of God – a miracle and
challenged the Arabs of Makkah to bring a similar chapter like the Qur'an. Thus, the
chapters of Makkah – in addition to the monotheistic tone – had a secondary objective
of being literal, rhetorical and linguistic challenge for Arabs. This is evident in selection
of strong words, phrases and Arabic constructs in Makki verses.
 4. Makki Surahs emphasize Man's relationship with God, while Medini Surahs emphasize
man's relationship with fellow man and lay down rules and regulations for social and
moral conduct.

b) Other Characteristics as mentioned by scholars

1. Any chapter that has a verse that commands to prostrate to Allah ( ‫السجدة آيات‬, ayat as-
sujud) is Makki, except chapters 13 and 22.
2. Any chapter that contains the word ‘kalla’ ( ‫‘ – )كال‬nay’ is Makki, and is found only in the
second half of the Qur'an.
3. Any chapter that has the phrase ‘ya ayyuhannas’ (‫ ) الناس ياأيها‬- ‘O Mankind’, but does not
have the phrase ‘ya ayyuhal ladhina amanu’ ( ‫‘ ) آمنوا اللذين يأيها‬O you who believe’ is
Makki, except chapter 22.
4. All chapters that start with initial letters ‫( المقطعة الحروف‬al-Huruf al-muqattat, abbreviated
letters like alif lam mim, alif lam ra etc.) are Makki, except chapters 2, 3 and 13.
5. Any chapter that relates the story of Adam and Iblis (i.e., Satan) is Makki, except chapter 2.
6. Any chapter that relates the stories of previous prophets and their people is Makki, except
chapter 2.
7. Short verses, and strong rhetorical style and rhythmic sound.
8. Repeated use of emphasis, exhortation, analogies and oath.
9. Emphasis on the belief in Allah (SWT), the Day of Judgment and description of Hell and
Heaven (paradise).
10. Call for adherence to good moral and universal characters like truthfulness, kindness to
relatives, old and neighbor etc.
11. Argument with the polytheists and refutation of their associating partners with Allah.
12. Warning the polytheists through stories of previous messengers when punishment came to
their people when they rejected their message.

All thanks and praises are due to Allah.

References:

a) Al-Quran
b) http://textminingthequran.com/wiki/Makki_and_Madani_Surahs
c) http://www.as-sidq.org/mariful.html

Abbreviations:

a) PBUH = Peace and blessings be upon him, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam

b) SWT = Subhanu wa Ta’ala, Glorified and Exalted.
c) AS = Alaihi AsSalam