Outline the main features of Madinan suwar

Answer Details

The chapters (suwar) of the Qur’an revealed after the Hijrah to Madina are called Madani. They reflect the needs of the established Muslim community and its new state. Their main features are:

1. Length of verses and chapters. They generally have long verses (ayat) and long chapters, dealing with matters in detail.
2. Legislation (Ahkam). They contain detailed laws on worship, transactions, marriage, divorce, inheritance, criminal punishments (hudud), war and peace, since the community now needed governance.
3. Social and communal matters. They address the organisation of society, family life, justice and the rights and duties of citizens.
4. Address to "O you who believe" (Ya ayyuhal-ladhina amanu). Many verses begin with this form, addressing the established body of believers.
5. Mention of the hypocrites (Munafiqun). They expose and warn against the hypocrites, who appeared only after Islam gained strength in Madina.
6. Dialogue with the People of the Book. They address the Jews and Christians, inviting them to Islam and refuting their claims.
7. Jihad and its rulings. They deal with permission for and the laws of armed struggle in defence of the faith.
8. Reference to events. They mention battles and incidents such as Badr, Uhud and the treaties of the Madinan period.

Examples of Madinan chapters include al-Baqarah, Ali ‘Imran, an-Nisa’, al-Ma’idah and al-Anfal. In contrast, Makkan chapters are mostly short, focusing on faith, resurrection and morals.