Quran III – Period of Quran Revelation SS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

The Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of 23 years. This revelation period can be divided into two main phases: the Makkan period (when the Prophet was in Makkah) and the Madinan period (after the Prophet migrated to Madinah). The surahs (chapters) of the Quran are classified as either Makkan or Madinan based on when and where they were revealed. This lesson explains the differences between these two types of surahs, their numbers, how they were revealed, and the special importance of the first revelation.

1. Distinction between Makkan and Madinan Surahs

Time-Based Definition

• Makkan Surahs: These are the chapters revealed before the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Madinah in 622 CE.
• Madinan Surahs: These are the chapters revealed after the Prophet’s migration to Madinah.

Place-Based Definition

Some scholars use the place of revelation to define the surahs:

• Makkan Surahs: Revealed in Makkah or nearby areas (like Mina, Arafat, or during journeys).
• Madinan Surahs: Revealed in Madinah or nearby areas.

Content and Style Differences

Makkan Surahs:

1. Length: Usually shorter chapters with shorter verses
2. Content: Focus on:
   1. Belief in One God (Tawheed)
   2. The Day of Judgment
   3. Stories of previous prophets and nations
   4. Basic moral teachings
3. Style: More poetic with strong language
4. Special Feature: Many begin with special letters (like Alif-Lam-Mim)
5. Address: Often address all people with phrases like “O Mankind!”
6. Examples: Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Yaseen

Madinan Surahs:

1. Length: Usually longer chapters with longer verses
2. Content: Focus on:
   1. Laws and rules for Muslim society
   2. Family matters
   3. Relations with other religions
   4. War and peace rules
3. Style: More straightforward and detailed
4. Special Feature: Often contain phrases like “O you who believe!”
5. Examples: Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah An-Nisa, Surah Al-Ma’idah

Why These Differences Matter

The differences between Makkan and Madinan surahs show how Islam developed over time. In Makkah, the focus was on building strong faith. In Madinah, the focus shifted to building a functioning Muslim society with clear rules.

2. The Total Numbers of Makkan and Madinan Surahs

Overall Count

The Holy Quran has 114 surahs in total.

• Makkan Surahs: 86 surahs (about 75% of the Quran)
• Madinan Surahs: 28 surahs (about 25% of the Quran)

Amount of Text

Even though there are more Makkan surahs, they make up less of the Quran by length:

• Makkan Surahs: About one-third of the Quran by text volume
• Madinan Surahs: About two-thirds of the Quran by text volume

This is because Madinan surahs tend to be much longer than Makkan surahs.

Mixed Surahs

Some surahs contain both Makkan and Madinan verses. For example:

• Surah Al-Hajj: Contains both Makkan and Madinan verses
• Surah Al-A’raf: Mostly Makkan but has some Madinan verses

Scholars usually classify these mixed surahs based on where most of their verses were revealed.

The First and Last Surahs

• First Revealed: The first part of Surah Al-Alaq (96) was the first revelation in Makkah.
• Last Revealed: Most scholars believe that Surah An-Nasr (110) or verses from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281) were among the last revelations in Madinah.

3. Mode of Revelation

Through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel)

Most of the Quran was revealed through Angel Jibreel who would come to the Prophet in different ways:

1. In Angel Form: Sometimes Jibreel appeared in his angelic form. This was very rare and overwhelming for the Prophet.
2. In Human Form: Jibreel often appeared as a man. The companions sometimes saw him as a handsome man with dark hair.
3. Invisible Presence: Sometimes the companions would notice signs of revelation without seeing Jibreel:
   1. The Prophet would hear something like the ringing of bells
   2. The Prophet’s face would become red
   3. The Prophet would feel very heavy
   4. On cold days, the Prophet would sweat

Direct Divine Communication

Some revelations came directly from Allah to the Prophet without Jibreel as a messenger. This happened during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).

Through Dreams

Some revelations came to the Prophet through true dreams. In Islam, the dreams of prophets are considered a form of revelation.

Timing of Revelations

Revelations came at different times and in different situations:

1. In Response to Events: Some verses came to address specific events or answer questions.
2. In Response to Questions: When companions asked questions, sometimes revelations would come with answers.
3. During Travel: Revelations came while the Prophet was traveling.
4. During Battle: Some verses were revealed during battles to guide the Muslims.
5. At Night or Day: Revelations could come at any time.

Length of Revelations

Revelations varied in length:

1. Complete Surahs: Sometimes a whole surah was revealed at once.
2. Groups of Verses: Sometimes several verses were revealed together.
3. Single Verses: Sometimes just one verse was revealed.
4. Parts of Verses: Sometimes only part of a verse was revealed.

4. The Merit of the First Revelation

The Event of First Revelation

The first revelation happened in 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old:

1. He was meditating in Cave Hira outside Makkah.
2. Angel Jibreel appeared and embraced him tightly.
3. Jibreel commanded him to “Read!” (Iqra).
4. The Prophet replied he could not read (as he was unlettered).
5. Jibreel embraced him tightly three times.
6. Then Jibreel revealed the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clinging form. Read! Your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know.” (Quran 96:1-5)

Importance of the First Revelation

1. Beginning of Prophethood: This event marked the beginning of Muhammad’s mission as Allah’s final prophet.
2. Emphasis on Knowledge: The first word “Read” shows the importance of knowledge and learning in Islam.
3. Mention of Creation: The first revelation speaks about how Allah created humans, reminding us of our origin.
4. Mention of Learning Tools: The reference to “the pen” highlights the importance of writing and recording knowledge.
5. Divine Source of Knowledge: These verses show that true knowledge comes from Allah.
6. Simple but Profound: Though short, these verses contain deep messages about creation, knowledge, and Allah’s generosity.
7. Cultural Shift: In a society where few people could read or write, the command to “Read” signaled a new era of literacy and learning.

The Prophet’s Reaction

After receiving the first revelation:

1. The Prophet was frightened and rushed home to his wife Khadijah.
2. He asked her to cover him as he was shivering.
3. He told her what happened and worried about his sanity.
4. Khadijah comforted him and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal (a learned Christian).
5. Waraqah confirmed that Muhammad had encountered the same angel who had come to Moses and that he was indeed chosen as a prophet.

Legacy of the First Revelation

The first revelation began a process that would change the world:

1. It marked the beginning of the Quran’s revelation, which would continue for 23 years.
2. It began a new religion that would spread across the world.
3. It started a civilization that would make great contributions to knowledge, science, and culture.
4. It established the value of seeking knowledge as an act of worship.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Makkan and Madinan surahs helps us appreciate how the Quran was revealed in stages to suit the development of the Muslim community. The Quran’s revelation through various methods shows Allah’s wisdom in communicating His message. The first revelation, with its emphasis on reading and knowledge, set the tone for Islam as a religion that values education and understanding. All these aspects demonstrate the divine nature of the Quran and its perfect suitability as guidance for humanity.