Explain the arrangement of the Qur;ān with emphasis on Makkan and Madinan suwar.

Answer Details

Arrangement of the Qur'an: The Qur'an is arranged into 114 chapters (suwar, singular surah) containing over 6,000 verses (ayat). Each surah bears a name, and except for Suratul-Tawbah every surah opens with the Basmalah. The chapters are not arranged in the order of their revelation but in an order fixed by the Prophet (S.A.W) under the guidance of angel Jibril. In general the longer suwar come first (after the short opening Fatihah) and the shorter ones towards the end, so the arrangement is roughly by length rather than chronology.

For the purpose of recitation the Qur'an is also divided into 30 equal parts (ajza', singular juz') and into 60 hizb, which aid memorisation and completion of the whole text within a month.

Makkan suwar (al-Makkiyyah): These are the chapters revealed before the Hijrah, during the thirteen years the Prophet spent in Makkah. Their features are:

• They are generally short with brief, forceful verses.
• They emphasise Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), the resurrection, reward and punishment, and the Day of Judgement.
• They frequently begin with the address Ya ayyuhan-nas (O mankind).
• They contain many stories of the earlier prophets and past nations as warnings.
• They call to sound belief and good morals rather than detailed law.

Madinan suwar (al-Madaniyyah): These are the chapters revealed after the Hijrah in Madinah. Their features are:

• They are generally long with lengthy verses.
• They deal with legislation: prayer, zakat, fasting, hajj, marriage, inheritance, transactions, jihad and social order.
• They frequently begin with the address Ya ayyuhal-ladhina amanu (O you who believe).
• They address the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and the hypocrites.
• They regulate the affairs of the newly established Muslim community and state.

Conclusion: The arrangement of the Qur'an is divinely guided, while the Makkan and Madinan classification reflects the two great phases of the mission, faith-building in Makkah and community-building in Madinah.