What Are the Benefits of Dividing Quranic Suras into Makkan and Madinan?

Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa

Question

Why are the suras of the Quran divided into Makkan and Madinan, how was this distinction made, and what are its benefits?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

Understanding Makkan and Madinan Suras

It is known that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) spent part of his life in Makka both before and after his prophethood. He later migrated to Madina, where he remained until his passing. It is also known that the Quran began to be revealed in Makka and continued to be revealed from the start of the Prophet’s mission until his death, over a period of approximately twenty-three years.

This period is divided into two parts: the time the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) spent in Makka before the migration and the time he spent in Madina after the migration. Hence, the Quran is categorized into Makkan and Madinan revelations.

The Quran was revealed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in various places he traveled to, including cities, villages, mountains, valleys, plains, and houses. It was revealed at different times, whether during day or night, while traveling or at home, in summer or winter, and in times of peace or war.

Importance of Context in the Revelation

Scholars took great care in identifying where and when the Quran was revealed due to the numerous benefits that arise from understanding the context of the revelation, which aids in comprehending the meanings of the verses and extracting their implications.

When the Quran was revealed in Makka at the beginning of the Prophet’s mission, the Muslims were a minority, and the polytheists were the majority. The style of addressing the disbelievers differed from how the Muslims were addressed. The Quranic revelation in Makka defended the minority Muslim community, supported them, and advocated for them amidst a hostile environment of polytheists.

The believers required divine guidance to support and fortify their hearts.. The Quran in Makka refuted the beliefs of the disbelievers with clear arguments and evidence, dispelled doubts, invalidated false beliefs, and exposed their superstitions. The disbelievers were persistent, obstinate, and arrogant, and the Quran persistently countered their challenges until it established clear proof against them. This led to the formation of an Islamic community that became the foundation of the future Islamic state.

After the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) migrated to Madina, he met another group of Muslims there and united the two communities, creating a harmonious blend that resulted in the establishment of a righteous Islamic state, capable of receiving the remaining principles and laws of Islam.

The Quran continued to be revealed to the Muslims in Madina, laying out the rulings of the religion, establishing its foundations, building the Islamic society, and structuring the state’s edifice. Undoubtedly, understanding what was revealed in Makka during those circumstances for those specific purposes, as well as understanding what was revealed in Madina, offers a sound methodology for Islamic da‘wa (calling to guidance) and provides valuable lessons for preachers in different eras and locations.

Scholars took great care in distinguishing between the Makkan and Madinan revelations and in extracting the characteristics of each, due to both legislative and historical benefits, which we will mention shortly. For example, Ibn Mas‘ud (Allah be pleased with him) said:

“By Allah, besides Whom there is no other deity, no sura from the Book of Allah was revealed except that I know where it was revealed, and no verse from the Book of Allah was revealed except that I know regarding what it was revealed. If I knew of anyone with more knowledge of the Book of Allah than me, and camels could take me to him, I would go to him.” [Bukhari]

Scholars have identified three terminologies to distinguish between the Makkan and Madinan revelations, but in this answer, we will limit ourselves to the most correct one, which is agreed upon by the Quran scholars.

Definition of Makkan and Madinan Revelations

Makkan Revelation: Refers to what was revealed before the Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) migration to Madina, even if it was revealed outside Makka.

Madinan Revelation: Refers to what was revealed after the migration, even if it was revealed in Makka.

This definition is the most accurate and widely accepted because it is consistent and methodical. It is also comprehensive and clear and takes into account the time of revelation rather than the place.

This is more appropriate than focusing on the location because understanding the progression of Islamic legislation, knowing what abrogates and what is abrogated (Nashik and mansukh), and other benefits of distinguishing between Makkan and Madinan revelations depend on knowing the chronological order of the revelations.

For this reason, this definition is the one relied upon by most scholars, as it considers the historical context of the revelation. This is important in understanding abrogation and deriving rulings. For example:

“Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way.” [Quran, 5:3]

This verse is considered Madinan, even though it was revealed on a Friday in ‘Arafa during the Farewell Pilgrimage.

Likewise, the verse,

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners.” [Quran, 4:58]

This is Madinan, despite having been revealed inside the Ka‘ba in Makka after the migration, during the great conquest (Fath al-Makka). The same applies to verses revealed during his journeys, such as the opening of Surat al-Anfal, which was revealed at Badr, and is considered Madinan, not Makkan, according to this popular classification. [See: Jarmi, Mu‘jam ‘Ulum al-Quran; Muhammad Bakr Isma‘il, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

Number of Madinan and Makkan Suras

Scholars have differed in determining the number of Madinan and Makkan suras. Imam Suyuti quoted Ibn Hassar, who stated that there are twenty Madinan suras, twelve suras on which there is disagreement, and the rest are Makkan. [Suyuti, al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

As for the Madinan suras, they number twenty, and they are:

“Al-Baqara, Ali ‘Imran, al-Nisa, al-Ma‘ida, al-Anfal, al-Tawba, al-Nur, al-Ahzab, Muhammad, al-Fath, al-Hujurat, al-Hadid, al-Mujadila, al-Hashr, al-Mumtahana, al-Jumu‘a, al-Munafiqun, al-Talaq, al-Tahrim, and al-Nasr.”

There is disagreement regarding twelve suras, which are:

“Al-Fatiha, al-Ra‘d, al-Rahman, al-Saff, al-Taghabun, al-Mutaffifin, al-Qadr, al-Bayyina, al-Zalzala, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and al-Nas.”

As for the Makkan suras, they are all the remaining suras, totaling eighty-two suras.

Identifying Makkan and Madinan Suras

There is no direct statement from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) specifying this, as the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) witnessed the events of revelation and were present during the process.

Hence, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not need to inform them about something they already knew. Therefore, the distinction between Makkan and Madinan suras is known through two methods:

• Transmission from the Companions;
• Analogical Reasoning and Ijtihad.

Transmission from the Companions

The Companions, who witnessed the revelation of the Quran, were deeply attentive to it. They preserved their observations about the circumstances of the revelation and recorded the time and place of each verse’s revelation. They were well aware of the events, circumstances, and times of the revelations.

If there is no direct report from the Companions, but there is a reliable transmission from the Tabi‘in (successors), especially those who focused on Tafsir, like Mujahid, their statements can be accepted, provided they are free from contradictions with stronger sources.

Analogical Reasoning and Ijtihad

This involves scholarly reasoning when there is no direct transmission. Scholars studied the suras and verses that were definitively known to be Makkan or Madinan through the first method (transmission) and derived certain characteristics and rules for both Makkan and Madinan suras.

For suras with no explicit textual evidence about their place of revelation, scholars analyzed their content. If they found characteristics typical of Makkan suras, they classified them as Makkan; if they found characteristics typical of Madinan suras, they classified them as Madinan. This method relies on inductive reasoning and scholarly effort, allowing for the categorization of suras based on their defining characteristics. [See: Zarkashi, al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Suyuti, al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Mustafa Bugha, al-Wadih fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; al-Muqaddimat al-Asasiyya fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

Scholars have provided several criteria to differentiate Makkan from Madinan suras, along with the distinctive features of the style of the Makkan and Madinan revelations.

Criteria of Makkan Suras

• Every sura that contains the word “kalla” (كلا) is Makkan;
• Every sura that includes a prostration of recitation (Sajdat at-Tilawa) is Makkan;
• Every sura that begins with an oath is Makkan;
• Every sura that opens with disjointed letters, such as “Alif Lam Mim” (الم) or “Ha Mim” (حم), except for al-Baqarah and Ali ‘Imran, which are Madinan by consensus. There is, however, disagreement regarding Surat al-Ra‘d;
• Every sura that addresses “O humanity!” (يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ) but does not contain “O believers!” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا) is Makkan, except for Surat al-Hajj, which is Makkan despite having “O believers!” at its end.

Characteristics of Makkan Suras Based on the Content of the Verses

Establishing the Fundamentals of Faith: The Makkan suras emphasize the core tenets of belief, calling people to the oneness of Allah (Most High), exclusive worship of Him, and belief in the Hereafter, along with the consequences of the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire.

• Campaign Against Polytheism: The Makkan verses launched an intense campaign against polytheism and idol worship, presenting irrefutable arguments and evidence to refute their false beliefs. It used examples such as the fly and the spider, as found in Surat al-Hajj, to demonstrate the weakness of their idols.
• Attention to the Stories of the Prophets: The Makkan suras give significant attention to the stories of the Prophets and their interactions with their people. These stories are rarely mentioned in the Madinan suras, making this a defining feature of the Makkan revelation, as seen in Surat al-A‘raf, Surat Hud, and Surat al-Qasas, among others.
• Explaining the Fundamentals of Ethics: The Makkan suras emphasized core ethical values such as truthfulness, righteousness, maintaining family ties, honoring parents, being kind to neighbors, and maintaining purity of heart and tongue. For example, the ethical commandments in Surat al-Isra (a Makkan sura) outline ten moral principles.

If one finds any of these themes in a sura or verse, it is most likely Makkan, except for certain exceptions. For instance, Surat al-Baqara is Madinan, even though it contains stories of the Prophets, so one must be mindful of such exceptions. [Zarkashi, al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Suyuti, al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; Zurqani, Manahil al-‘Irfan; Tayyar, al-Muharrar fi ‘Ulum al-Quran; ‘Itr, ‘Ulum al-Quran al-Karim; Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

Criteria for Madinan Sura

• Every sura that contains the phrase “O believers!” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا) and does not contain “O humanity!” (يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ) is Madinan;
• Every sura that mentions the hypocrites is Madinan, except for the beginning of Surat al-Ankabut, which mentions hypocrites but is Makkan;
• Every sura that includes legal rulings or outlines obligations (like prayers, fasting, or legal punishments) is Madinan.

Characteristics of Madinan Suras Based on the Content of the Verses

• Emphasis on Legislative Rulings: Madinan suras generally focus on explaining the legal rulings concerning acts of worship, transactions, penalties, and obligations, as well as rulings on jihad and other related matters.
• Discussion of the Hypocrites: Madinan suras frequently talk about the nature of hypocrites, exposing their plots, highlighting their danger to Islam and Muslims, and revealing their methods and conspiracies. Hypocrisy was not present in Makka because the Muslims were a small, oppressed minority, and the disbelievers fought them openly.
• Longer Verses and Suras: Madinan verses and suras tend to be longer, as they delve into Islamic beliefs and legislative rulings in greater detail. [See: ‘Itr, ‘Ulum al-Quran; Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

The Benefits of Knowing Makkan and Madinan Suras

• Distinguishing between Abrogating and Abrogated Verses: This allows us to follow the abrogating rulings and abandon those that have been abrogated.
• Understanding the History of Islamic Legislation: It helps in comprehending the gradual development by which the Wise Lawgiver transitioned people to the comprehensive Islamic way of life.
• Confidence in the Quran’s Preservation: Knowing the Makkan and Madinan suras reinforces our trust in the Quran and its transmission to us without alteration. The attention given by Muslims to the details of the Quran’s revelation—recording its chronological and geographical specifics—is a testament to this.
• Facilitating the Understanding of Verses: Knowing the context of a sura aids in understanding its meaning. For instance, when reading Surat al-Kafirun and recognizing that it is Makkan, one understands that it was revealed when some of the leaders of the disbelievers suggested to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace): “We will worship your God for a year, and you worship our gods for a year.” This knowledge of the circumstances and timing of revelation helps prevent misinterpretation of the verse. [Fahd Rumi, Dirasat fi ‘Ulum al-Quran]

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing whether a sura is Makkan or Madinan provides insight into the circumstances surrounding the revelation of the Quran. This has a significant impact on understanding and interpreting the Quran, to the point where scholars have stated that no one unfamiliar with this knowledge should speak about the interpretation of the Quran.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.