Makki and Madani Surah:

The Quran is divided Into Makki and Madani Surahs, based on the period and place of revelation relative to the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madina.

Definition:

Makki Surah:

Revealed before the Hijrah, regardless of whether the place was Makkah or elsewhere.

Madani Surah:

Revealed after the Hijrah, even if they were revealed outside Madina.

Characteristics:

Makki Surah:

• Focus on oneness of Allah, belief in the hereafter, and moral values.
• Shorter verses with strong rhythmic and emotional impact.
• Address issues of idolatry, the day of judgement, and the stories of past Prophets.
• Often directed at a hostile or skeptical audience.
• Example: Surah Al- Fatiha, Surah Al- Anam, Surah Al- Qiyamah.

Madani Surah:

• Focus on laws, social issues, and the formation of the Muslim community.
• Longer verses, more detailed rulings and instructions.
• Address topics like marriage, inheritance, jihad, hypocrisy and relations with other communities.
• Often revealed in response to specific events or questions from the companions.
• Example: Surah Al- Baqarah, Surah Al- Nisa.

Difference between Makki and Madani Surah:

1. Chronological distinction:

The primary distinction between Makki and Madani Surahs lies in their chronological order of revelation. Makki Surahs were revealed in Mecca during the early years of Prophet Muhammad's mission, while Madani Surahs were revealed in Madina after the migration.

2. Themes and content:

Makki Surahs often focus on foundational aspects of faith, emphasizing the oneness of Allah, the day of judgement and moral guidance. They address the challenges faced by the early Muslim community in Makkah, where they were a minority facing persecution.

3. Language and styles:

Makki Surahs are generally characterized by a more poetic and rhetorical style. They employ vived imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the message, aiming to evoke contemplation and reflection.

Madani Surahs, being more legislative in nature, often adopt a more straightforward and direct style. They provide specific guidance on legal matters, social issues, and community affairs, reflecting the needs of the growing Muslim community in Madina.

Significance of Makki and Madani Surahs:

1. Spiritual foundations:

Makki Surahs lay the spiritual foundations of Islam. They emphasize the core beliefs and moral principles that form the basis of the faith 

2. Comprehensive guidance:

Together, Makki and Madani Surahs offer a comprehensive guide for Muslims, addressing both spiritual and practical aspects of life. This dual revelation provides a holistic framework for individual and communal well being.

3. Community building:

Madani Surahs contribute to the establishment and governance of the Muslim community. They provide guidance on how to structure and conduct the affairs of the growing Muslim society in Madina.

Total number of Makki and Madani Surahs:

The Quran consists of a total of 114 Surahs. Approximately two-third of the Surahs are Makki Surahs and approximately One- third are Madani Surahs.

The exact number of Makki and Madani Surahs can be subject to different scholarly opinions and interpretations. It's important to note that the division is not always strict, and some surahs may have verses revealed in but Makkah and Madina .

When a surah has verses revealed in both Makkah and Madina, it is referred to as a Makki - Madani Surah, indicating that it spans both periods of revelation. The classification is based on the predominant theme or context of the Surahs. 

Madinan surahs:

A Medinan surah romanized Surah Madaniyah) of the Quran is one that was revealed at Madina after Muhammad's Hijrah from Makkah . They are the latest 28 Suwar. The community was larger and more developed, in contrast to it's minority position in Makkah. 

Difference between Madani and Makki Surahs:

To decide whether a verse is Makki or Madani, the criteria was the Hijrah, the prophet's migration from Makkah to Madina. Any verse revealed prior to the migration is classified as makki and any verse revealed after the migration is classified as Madani.

Main Surahs:

The 4 Quls- Surah Al- Kafirun, Al-Ikhlad, Al-Falaq and An-naas- are powerful chapters that offer protection, affirm faith, and purify the soul. 

Which surah was revealed first:

The first verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad were from Surah Al- Alaq (96) specifically the first five verses. These verses command, " Read in the name of your Lord who created, " and emphasize the importance of knowledge and the act of reading, according to Islamic tradition.

Sajda are in the Quran:

There are 14 mandatory places of prostration (Sajda) In the Quran. These are specific verses where prostration is recommended when recited. They are also known as " Ayat e Sajda".

Which surah is one forth of Quran:

At Tirmishi said, "Hassan." It has already been mentioned previously in a Hadith that it (Surah Al- Kafirun) is equivalent to a forth of the Quran .

First surah revealed in Madina:

Most narrator recorded that al- Fatiha was the first complete Surah revealed to Muhammad. The name Al- Fatiha ( the opener) could refer to the surah being the first in the Mus'hafs, the first to be recited in each rakat of Salah, or to the manner of it's usage in many Islamic traditions as an opening prayer.

Prophet live in Madina:

In further recognition of this great event, the oasis of Yathrib came to call Madina, "the city (of the Prophet). Muhammad surrounded by his followers, lived in Madina  for ten years slowly winning over converts.

A Medina Surah  romanized surah Madaniyah of the Quran is one that was revealed at Medina after Muhammad's Hijrah from Makkah. They are the latest 28 suwar. The community was larger and more developed, in contrast to it's minority position in Makkah.

The Madina surahs occur mostly at the beginning and in the middle of the Quran are said to be the last revealed surahs chronologically) and typically have more longer Ayat ( verses). Dua to the new circumstances of the early Muslim community in Madina, these surahs more often deal with details of moral principles, legislation , warfare ( in surah al- Baqarah), and principles for constituting the community. They also refer more often to the community with "O people and at times directly address Muhammad or speak of him as an agent acting in combination with the divine persona: ' God and his messenger.' 

The division of surahs into Makkah surahs' and Medinan Surah is primarily a consequence of stylistic and thematic considerations. 

Difference between Makki and Madani Surah:

It was always interesting to hear or read at the start of an explanation about a Surah whether it was Makki or Madani Surah. 

The Quran was sent down from al-Mahfuz to the first heaven on Laylat al- Qadr in the  month of Ramadan all at once, then after that it was sent down to the Prophet in stages over the span of the twenty three years of his blessed Prophet hood.

Makki surahs are those that were revealed in Makkah and any time before the Hijrah even if it was revealed outside of Makkah. These are those Ayat that were revealed in the Makkah era of the prophet's life that lasted for 10 years.

Al-Qadhi Abu Bakar wrote, "When it comes to knowing what is Makki and Madani, then our only point of reference is the recordings of the Sahaba and Tabiun as there is nothing on this subject transmitted directly from the Prophet. That is because he was not commanded to speak on that subject, and Allah did not make this field of knowledge something obligatory for every member of this ummat, although some knowledge of it is necessary for the scholars in order to know the timeline of abrogating and abrogated verses, as that is something that can be known without explicit text from the Messenger."

Madani Surahs are those that were revealed in Madina and after the Hijrah even if they were revealed in Makkah or outside of Madina. There are many instances of Ayat being revealed outside of Madina as there were many trips and battles in this period. These are those Ayat that were revealed in the Madinan era of the Prophet's life that lasted for 13 years.

When we see the term Makki and Madani for a Surah, the Ayat were not explicitly revealed in the cities of Makkah or Madina alone. So the Ayat that were revealed during the Prophet's initial visit to Taif are Makki. Even tha Ayat that were revealed to the Prophet during the night journey Aka Isra wal Miraj are considered Makki. Those Ayat that were revealed in Hudaybiyah, so near to Makkah and even those Ayat revealed in Makkah itself during the conquest of Makkah are considered as Madani. They could be cases where Makki Ayat occur in Madani Surahs and Makki Surahs. The Prophet instructed his companions and scribes on the exact placement of the Ayat across the different surahs and the order of the Surahs in the Quran.

The Quran comprises of 85 or 86 Makki surahs and 28 or 29 Madani surahs. There is a slight difference of opinion on this number. Imam ibn Sa'd recorded that Ibn A bad said, "I asked Ubaay ibn Kab about which surahs of to the Quran were sent down in al- Madinah. He said , " Twenty nine surahs were revealed there, and the rest were revealed in Makkah.

Scholars of Tafseer have consensus on 80 surahs being Makki and 22 Surah's being Madani. There is difference of opinion on 12 Surahs'.

Madani Surah's:

Al-Baqarah, Al-Imran, Al-Nisa, Al- Madinah, Al- Anfal, at- Tawbah, an- Noor, al- Hadeed, al- Fath, al-Saaf, al- Jummah etc.

Disputed Surahs:

Al-Fatiha, ar-Rad, al-Insan, al-munaffiffin, al-qadr, al-Zalzalah, al-Maun, al-Ikhlas, al-Falqa, al-Nas.

Scholars have put together these key identifier to differentiate the Surah's being Makki or Madani. These are not definite or set in stone classifications but efforts put in by scholars to try and make this knowledge easy to access for students. Some of these are 

1. The Makkah surahs' are usually shorter and deal mainly with affirming the oneness of  Allah. These Ayat have a powerful style that addresses the reader strongly and instils faith and hope for those who believe. They also focused on beautifying the character of the believer. The Madani Surah's are generally longer.

2. The Makkah surahs' have words that are at times seen to be unique because of their poetic structure. This is because he people being addressed were those proficient in the Arabic language and poetry. This is something the Makkans used to highly pride themselves in. People used to come from around Arabia to complete during Hajj in poetry sessions. 

Significance about makki and Madani Surah's:

1. Contextual understanding:

• Makki Surah were revealed when the Prophet was in Makkah, facing opposition from the Quraish. These Surah's reflect the early challenges of Islam.
• Madani Surah's came after the Hijrah to Madina, when th Muslims community had grown and required guidance on social, legal and political matters.

2. Thematic differences:

1. Makki surahs focus on 

• Towheed
• Prophethood.
• The hereafter 
• Moral guidance.
• Stories of previous nations.

2 . Madani Surah's focus on 

• Islamic laws ( marriage, finance, punishment )
• Social and community organization.
• Jihad and treaties.
• Political guidance for a growing Muslim state.

3. Literary style:

Makki Surahs:

• Shorter verses
• More poetic and rhythmic 
• Powerful imagery
• Appeals to heart and conscience.

Madani Surah's:

• Longer verses
• Legal and detailed prose 
• Practical instructions 
• Appeals to intellect and society.

4. Spiritual and practical balance:

The classification helps Muslims:

• Build iman with Makki surahs.
• Live by Islam with the law in Madani Surah's.

5. Historical insight:

• Understanding tha Makki/ Madani distinction gives insight into the Seerah.
• It shows the evolution of the Muslim community from persecution to establishment of an Islamic society.

Verses about Makki and Madani Surahs:

Makki Verses:

These are the verses revealed before the Prophet Muhammad migration to Madina , regardless of where the verses were revealed.

Characteristics of Makki Verses:

• Focus on Tawheed (oneness of God) , Day of judgement, and moral guidance.
• Address polytheism and call for belief in Allah.
• Use short, powerful, and poetic language.
• Often challenge the Quraish and other Meccan tribes.
• Mention stories of previous Prophet's ( like Noah, Ibrahim, Musa).
• Often begin with "O mankind....

Examples of Makki Surahs:

• Surah Al-Fatiha 
• Surah Al- Anam

2. Madani Verses:

These are the verses revealed after the Hijrah, even if revealed outside of Madina.

Characteristics of Madani Verses:

• Focus on Islamic law (Ahkam), social economic and political matters.
• More detailed and longer verses than Makki ones.
• Use legal and practical language for governance of the Muslim community.
• Often begin with "O you who believe".

Examples of Madani  surahs:

• Surah Al -Baqarah.
• Surah Al- Nisa.

Detailed features:

Makki surahs:

• Tawheed ( oneness of Allah)
• Akhirah
• Prophethood 
• Stories of past nation( Qasas al-Anbiya)
• Warnings and glad tidings.
• Strengthening the faith of believers.
• Discussion on accountability and resurrection.

Styles and language :

• Short and rhythmic verses.
• Strong emotional and poetic tone.
• Description of paradise and hell.

Audience :

Primarily directed to non- believers (Mushrikeen of Makkah)

Madani Surah's:

Themes and content:

• Legislative verses: marriage , divorce, inheritance,  ethics and criminal law 
• Jihad and warfare rules.
• Organization of the Muslim community.
• Guidance on hypocrisy and internal challenge.
• Relation with people of the book.
• Building a Islamic state and governance.

Style and language:

• Longer and more detailed verses.
• Less poetic, more analytical and legal

Audience:

Mainly addressed to Muslims and hypocrites.

How do we identify if a surah is Makki or Madani:

• Time of revelation (before or after Hijrah)
• Content and themes 
• Narrations of the Prophet and tha Sahabah.
• Style and tone.

Importance of knowing tha different of Makki and Madani Surahs:

• Help in tafsir of Quranic verses.
• Provides historical context.
• Aids in understanding Islamic law development.
• Explains the gradual evolution of the Islamic mission from belief law and society.

Features of Makki and Madani Surahs:

Makki surahs revealed in Makki before the prophet's migration, are generally shorter, focus on Tawheed and the hereafter an employ a metaphorical and powerful style. Madani Surah's revealed in Madina after the migration are typically longer and focus on legal and social issues, including family and social laws, jihad and defining limits and duties. They also address the people of the book and have a more direct and simpler style.

Makki Surahs:

• Emphasis on Tawheed and hereafter:

Makki surahs primarily focus on affirming the oneness of Allah, the existence of the hereafter and the day id judgement 

• Stories of past Prophets:

They often include stories of previous Prophet's and their communities to draw lessons and strengthen faith.

• Addressing Idolaters:

Makki surahs are known for their powerful, metaphorical, and eloquent language, using similes, allegories, and imagery to convey their message.

• Short verses:

Makki surahs are generally shorter in length.

• Focus on character building:

They often emphasize the development of good character and morals.

Madani Surah's:

Focus on legal and social issues:

Madani Surah's deal with legal matters, social rules, family laws and conduct of the Muslim community.

Emphasis on Jihad:

They contain verses related to th concept of jihad.

Longer Verses:

Madani surahs tend to have longer verses compared to Makki surahs.

Simpler language:

The style of Madani surahs is generally simpler and more direct than the poetic style of Makki surahs.

Establishing the Islamic State:

Madani surahs reflect the establishment of an Islamic state in Madina and the need for legal and social framework.

Conclusion:

Makki and Madani Surahs reflect the two distinct phases of the Prophet Muhammad's mission-before and after the migration to Madina. Makki surahs revealed in Makkah primarily emphasize the foundations of faith, including the oneness of Allah, the afterlife, Prophet hood and moral conduct. They often address universal themes and are characterized by shorter more rhythmic verses aimed at stirring reflection and emotion. Madani surahs were revealed after the Hijrah and deal with the formation of a Muslim community, focusing on laws, social regulations and guidelines for warfare governance and interfaith relations. These surahs are typically longer and more detailed.