Makkan and Madani Surahs
By Suhaib Sharif 11 B6
Makkan Surahs
 A surah is said to be of Makkan origin when its beginning was
revealed in the Makkan phase, even if it contains verses from Madinah.
General Attributes & Theme:
➢ The Makkan Surah invite the people by addressing them “O people” given
that majority of the audience had not embraced Islam.
➢ Makkan Surah were mostly short and concise; they were easy to
remember and meant to attract the attentions of the listeners to the message of
Islam.
➢ Makkan Surah are centered on fundamental doctrines of Tawhid (oneness
of God), the day of judgement, reward and punishment.
➢ Allah uses harsh and strong language to convey the message of the
stubborn Quraish.
➢ Verses of the Quran in Makkan Surah are often repetitive.
Example: Surah Fatiha
Madani Surahs
 A surah is said to be of Madinan origin when its beginning was
revealed in the Madinan phase, even if it has verses from the Makkan
period in its text
General Attributes & Theme:
➢Every Surah in which a permission of jihad or a description of its
injunctions has been given is Madani.
➢ Every verse which mentions the hypocrites is Madani.
➢ Also, Madini Surahs talked about Prophets and also were made to answer
questions from Jews.
➢ Madini Surahs also talked the dangers of being a hypocrite and how to
deal with them.
➢Furthermore, Madini Surahs also talked about the Islamic principles of
war.
➢ Madini Surahs also were usually long.
Example: Surah Al Nasr