Quran
Surah
Sūrah
A chapter of the Quran. The Quran contains 114 surahs of varying length, from Al-Baqarah (286 verses) to Al-Kawthar (3 verses), each with its own name and theme.
What is a Surah?
A surah is a chapter of the Quran. The Quran is composed of 114 surahs of varying length, each with its own name, character, and themes. They range from the longest, Surah al-Baqarah (286 verses), to the shortest, such as Surah al-Kawthar (3 verses). Together the surahs form the complete revealed Book.
How are Surahs Organised?
Each surah is made up of verses (ayat). Surahs are broadly classified as Makki (revealed before the migration to Medina, often focusing on faith and the Hereafter) or Madani (revealed after, often dealing with law and community life). All surahs except one (al-Tawbah) begin with the Basmala: "In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful".
Notable Surahs
- Al-Fatihah — the Opening, recited in every prayer
- Al-Baqarah — the longest surah, containing Ayat al-Kursi
- Al-Ikhlas — equals a third of the Quran in reward (Bukhari 5013)
- Al-Mulk — intercedes for its reciter until they are forgiven
- Al-Kahf — recommended to recite on Fridays, a light between two Fridays
- Al-Falaq and al-Nas — the two surahs of refuge and protection
The Surahs in Worship and Life
Surahs are recited in the daily prayers, memorised by millions of huffaz (those who memorise the whole Quran), studied for their meanings (tafsir), and recited for protection, healing, and spiritual nourishment. Each surah carries its own blessings and lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many surahs are in the Quran?
There are 114 surahs in total, arranged not in the order they were revealed but in an order established by the Prophet ﷺ under divine guidance.
What is the difference between a surah and an ayah?
An ayah is a single verse; a surah is a complete chapter made up of a number of verses. The Quran has 114 surahs containing over 6,200 verses.
Etymology & origin
Surah (السورة) means a chapter of the Quran. Its derivation is discussed: some link it to sur (a high wall or rampart enclosing a city), since a surah encloses verses as a wall encloses buildings; others to su'r (a portion or degree of elevation). Either way it conveys a distinct, elevated, enclosed section of the revealed text.
References
- Quran:
- 2:23, 9:64, 10:38, 11:13, 15:87, 24:1
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 5013 (al-Ikhlas equals a third of the Quran); Bukhari 4474 (al-Fatihah the greatest surah); Muslim 804 (do not turn your houses into graves — recite al-Baqarah); Tirmidhi 2891 (Surah al-Mulk intercedes for its reciter)
Related terms
Al-Fatihah
The Opening — the first surah of the Quran, recited in every unit of every prayer. Called "the Mother of the Book" and "the Seven Oft-Repeated", it is a complete supplication.
Ayah
A verse of the Quran. The word also means "a sign". The Quran has over 6,200 verses, each considered a divine sign and a unit of revelation.
Ayat al-Kursi
The Throne Verse (2:255) — the greatest verse of the Quran, describing Allah's majesty, knowledge, and dominion. Reciting it after prayers and before sleep brings protection.
Basmala
The phrase "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), which opens 113 of the 114 surahs and begins every good deed.
Madani
Verses or surahs revealed after the Hijra (in Medina), typically dealing with legislation, social order, jihad, and the building of the Muslim community.
Makki
Verses or surahs revealed before the Hijra (in Mecca), typically focusing on faith, monotheism, the hereafter, and stories of past nations.