Lesson 19 Revelation: Places and Occasions

The Surahs of the Qur'an were either sent down in Makkah (before Hijrah) or in Madinah (after Hijrah), with the exception of a few cases of verses sent down in Madinah as a part of Makkan Surahs, or vice versa.

The Makkan Surahs Concerning content, they’re characterized by: - Matters of faith and the Hereafter - Stories of prophets - Arguing the polytheists to disclose their error and misguidance.

Concerning expressions, they’re characterized by: -Short clauses -Strong brief words - Statements such as ‘O you mankind’, ‘Nay’ (not at all), and verses of prostration.

Madinan Surahs The content is characterized by: - Laws of worship and dealings - Arguing with the people of the Book - Disclosing the behavior of the hypocrites

The expressions are characterized by: -Long clauses -Statements such as ‘O you who believe’

The importance of knowing whether the Surahs were Makkan or Madinan is to: -Differentiate the abrogated and the abrogating

-Know the Prophet’s biography

-Study the history and gradual coding of legislations

-Understand the meanings of the Qur’an and appreciate its various styles

The Reasons for Revelation Some verses have been sent down either: - On a certain event or - In response to a question raised by the Prophet ( SAWS) or the believers

Benefits derived from knowing the reasons behind revelation are: - Understanding and interpreting the verses - Knowing the wisdom behind revelation

Proofs from Qur ’ an and Sunnah

The reasons behind revealing the verses: Allah says: ] بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالزُّبُرِ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ [ [ النحل : 44]

This means: “With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW) the reminder and the advice (the Qur'an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.” (Surah An-Nahl: 44)