THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MECCAN AND MEDINAN VERSES

A majority of the verses regarding the obligatory duties and Islamic laws were Medinan, whereas the Meccan verses place more of an emphasis on the foundation of religion and the principles of faith based on unification. These revelations were aimed at destroying polytheism and engrossing the hearts with good morals, as the people were practicing idolatry during the first years of Prophethood, an era in which both ignorance and deviation were at a peak.

The verses beginning with “O humankind” are Meccan verses. And those which begin “O you who believe” are Medinan verses.

The Meccan surahs are short and bear an intense spirit of struggle, whereas the Medinan surahs are usually longer. In the Meccan surahs of the Qur’an, there are stories and examples of past communities, and it commands “Learn a lesson” from this.

The Medinan surahs mention topics such as the obligatory duties,   punishments and worship. The Jews and Christians are not mentioned in the Meccan surahs due to the struggle during that period. The Jews, Christians and hypocrites are mentioned in the Medinan surahs.

There is no mention of jihad in the Meccan surahs, but rather there is the call to faith, conveying the message and warning, whereas the Medinan surahs speak of jihad.

There are 1,456 verses which are Medinan, and the remaining verses were revealed during the Meccan period.

 

Akgul, Muhittin. Tafsir: An Introduction to Qur’anic Exegesis. Tughra Books Press, Inc. 2013