Organization of the Qur'an
From WikiIslam
Contents |
[edit] The Present Organization
Except for the first surah, Al-Fatiha, the Qur'an is organized by descending length of the sura. That is the longest sura is Sura 2 and the shortest is Sura 114. This organization prevents recovery of any chronology by a simple examination of the text.
[edit] The Medinan and Meccan Suras
Muslims believe that the Qur'an was revealed in two phases: before and after the Hijrah from Medina to Mecca. Thus, the terms Medinan Suras and Meccan Suras arose.
[edit] The Medinan Suras
Muslims believe that the Medinan suras were revealed while the Ummah was in Medina, before the Hijrah, when the Ummah was weak. Non-Muslim scholars, such as Christoph Luxenberg believe these to be originally Christian, used by Aramaic-speaking Christian missionaries. Luxenberg, in particular, believes that many of these suras are, in fact, Aramaic. Other suras show Aramaic influence. The Medinan verses are generally peaceful, though some threats against unbelievers are made hear and there.
[edit] The Meccan Suras
After the Hijrah, Muslim history puts the Muslims in Mecca. The Meccan Muslims were strong and willing to use force against any opponents. The Meccan Suras reflect this in the harshness of their tone, with repeated threats of violence against unbelievers.
[edit] Related links
- Chronological Order of the Quran
- The Origins of the Quran (by Ibn Warraq)
