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Organization of the Quran: Difference between revisions
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==Present Organization == | ==Present Organization== | ||
Except for the first [[surah]], [[Al-Fatiha]], the [[Qur'an]] is organized by descending length of the surah. That is the longest surah is Surah 2 and the shortest is Surah 114. This organization | Except for the first [[surah]], [[Al-Fatiha]], the [[Qur'an]] is organized by descending length of the surah. That is to say that the longest surah is Surah 2 and the shortest is Surah 114. This organization indicates nothing about the chronology of the material in any possible dating scheme. | ||
==Meccan and Medinan Surahs == | ==Meccan and Medinan Surahs== | ||
The traditional Islamic narrative postulates that the Qur'an was revealed in two phases: before and after the [[Islamic Lunar Calendar|hijrah]] from [[Mecca]] to [[Medina]]. Thus, the terms [[:Category:Meccan Surah|Meccan Surahs]] and [[:Category:Medinan Surah|Medinan Surahs]] arose. | |||
===Meccan Surahs === | ===Meccan Surahs=== | ||
The traditional Islamic narrative postulates that the Meccan suras were revealed while the Ummah was in Mecca, 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 surahs are, in fact, Aramaic. Other surahs show Aramaic influence. The Meccan verses are generally peaceful, though some threats against unbelievers are made here and there. | |||
===Medinan Surahs === | ===Medinan Surahs=== | ||
After the Hijrah, Muslim history puts the Muslims in Medina. The Medinan Muslims were strong and willing to use force against any opponents. The Medinan Surahs reflect this in the harshness of their tone, with repeated threats of violence against unbelievers. | After the Hijrah, Muslim history puts the Muslims in Medina. The Medinan Muslims were strong and willing to use force against any opponents. The Medinan Surahs reflect this in the harshness of their tone, with repeated threats of violence against unbelievers. | ||