The Purpose of Makkan Chapters and Madinan Chapters

The purpose of Makkan and Madinan Chapters
There are three basic definitions of the Makkan and Madinan chapters. The first
definition is that The Makkan Chapters refers to sections that were revealed to the prophet in the
city of Makkah. It also includes what was revealed to him while he was outside the city. On the
other hand, the Madinan chapters were revealed when the prophet was in the City of Madinah or
outside. The second definition is that the Makkan chapters were revealed in Makkah while the
Madinan were revealed in the city of Madinah (Suyooti 1/37). The third definition is that
Makkan chapters were brought to instruct the people of Makkah while the Madian Chapters
instructed the people of Madinah. However, scholars agree that the difference between Madinan
and Makkah chapters is not the location of revelation but the time of revelation. Therefore the
first definition is the most accurate as it gives higher emphasis on time
The following issues were outlined in the Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen
The first issue is how the Quranic verses addressed the people. The Makkan chapters
address the people with sternness and strength since those who were been addressed were likely
to turn away and show arrogance. Therefore, addressing people with strength and sternness is
suitable for that situation; examples include Al-Qamar and Al-Mudaththir. On the other hand, the
Madinan Chapters have a gently and speech approach since the majority of the people accepted
and submitted to the message; a good example is Al-Maidah. The verse of the Makkan Chapters
is short and strong on their arguments against the deniers and is suitable to their situation at that
time; for instance At-Toor. While the verses of the Madinan are normally longer and mention
laws and rulings without much debate since the situation of the people was suitable for that; for
instance Al-Baqarah.
Running head: THE PURPOSE OF MAKKAN AND MADINAN CHAPTERS 2
The second issue of the Quranic verses regards the subject. The Makkan Chapters mostly
give a clarification of Tawheed and the appropriate Islamic belief. They mostly emphasize on the
worship of Tawheed and resurrection. It because most of the people that were been addressed
had denied those issues. While the chapters of Madinan are a general discussion of the details of
the interaction, worship, and dealings. It was because those that were been addressed by the
chapters already had Aqeedah and Tawheed already established in their souls. Thus, there was no
need to give them detailed rules about dealings and worship to them.
In Madinah, there is a huge elaboration on the rules regarding Jihad and how to deal with
hypocrites and their situation as per the present events. That is Jihad was needed that hypocrisy
was present in the Madinan era. However, it was not the situation in Makkah (refer to Usool at-
Tafseer of Ibn Uthaimeen).
Differences between the Makkan and Madani Chapters
The chapters of Makkan mention the word Kalla thirty-three times in fifty chapters. The
word Kalla means ‘NO’ when it is applied at the start of the sentence it is expected that there is a
huge condemnation of sinful behavior. The chapters of Makkan have prostration sections. The
parts of the body that were commanded by the prophet to be prostrated include the face, two
knees, two hands and edges of the two feats. The chapters of Makkan have huruf al-maqatta’a
that is single letters or group of single letters with an exception to Aal-I Imran and al-Baqara.
The chapters also give a narration of prophets, former countries and the devil with an exception
to al-Baqara. On the other side, the chapters of Madani have issues like civil code and
punishment using Sharia. Decrees about Jihad are outlined and information regarding hypocrites
except for al-Ankabut.

Running head: THE PURPOSE OF MAKKAN AND MADINAN CHAPTERS 3
The Makki chapters also have definite attitudes against idolatry, unbelief, and
polytheism. It also explains the issue of creed and the belief about the oneness of Allah. Those
chapters are normally short and have short verses that are simple and can be memorized easily.
Knowing about the Madani-Makki chapters will be very helpful to those who may want to
interpret the Quran effectively. Even if the meaning of the sections is explained according to the
event of revelation it is not limited. It is important to have knowledge about the place, person and
situation of the revelation of the verse.

The Purpose of Makkan Chapters and Madinan Chapters

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The purpose of Makkan and Madinan Chapters

first definition is the most accurate as it gives higher emphasis on time

The following issues were outlined in the Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen

Tafseer of Ibn Uthaimeen).

Differences between the Makkan and Madani Chapters

except for al-Ankabut.

situation of the revelation of the verse.

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