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The following are just some of the reasons why the Qur’an is made up of various chapters. It should be noted however, that more important than these is that the Almighty Creator Who sent down the Qur’an has so willed.  The fact that the Qur’an is divided into chapters facilitates its

The word sura (chapter of the Qur’an) literally means rank, high position, honor, high and beautiful building, city-wall, floors or the upper parts of a building. The plural form of the term is suwar (chapters). When applied to the Qur’an it means the separate parts of the Qur’an that

The Qur’anic chapters take their names either from the personalities included in them, for example, the stories of Prophets Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Mary, or the family of Imran, or from the communities included in them, for example, the civilization of Sheba or the Children of Israel,

Zakat, with its innumerable facets, is a bond between members of society, one  wherein collective harmony is dependent on individual harmony. For zakat explicitly creates a virtuous setting that eliminates various social problems by establishing a harmonious atmosphere for both the ri

On the Month of Ramadan[1] In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it;

What is the reason for the mutashabih verses in the Qur’an? The Qur’an is not a book that addresses the people of a particular area at a particular time. On the contrary, it is universal, speaking to all people at all times. Accordingly, whatever principles and messages it has brought

Qur’anic verses are divided into two groups, known as muhkam or mutashabih. What is the difference? These two categories of Qur’anic verses are concerned with their meaning; muhkam means established, decisive, while mutashabih means allegorical. a. The meanings of the terms muhkam and

Is the basmala a verse and why is it written at the start of every chapter? It is considered proper Islamic manners to begin to read or to do any action with the name of the Supreme Creator. This can be seen in the following verses: Read in and with the Name of your Lord, Who has crea

How are the circumstances of the revelation of the verses to be understood? It is not permissible for one to express an opinion of their own; i.e., one that has not been narrated by someone who witnessed the Revelation of the relevant verse, without knowing the circumstances or having

Was each and every verse or chapter of the Qur’an revealed in connection with a certain occasion? As previously explained, the Qur’an was revealed in parts to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, over a period of 23 years. Each verse that was revealed had a certain aim a