Sources - Qur'an
Reasons and Timing
·
The
Surahs of the Qur'an were either sent down in Mecca before Hijrah) or in Medina
(after Hijrah), with the exception of a few cases of verses sent down in Medina
as a part of Meccan Surahs, or vice versa. ·
The
Meccan Surahs are characterized, concerning content, by the following: matters
of faith and the Hereafter, the stories of prophets, and arguing the polytheists
to disclose their error and misguidance. Concerning expressions, they are
characterized by the following: short clauses and strong brief words, statements
such as ‘O you mankind’, ‘Nay’ (not at all), and verses of prostration. ·
The
Surahs of Medina are characterized, concerning content, by the following: laws
of worship and dealings, arguing with the people of the Book, and disclosing the
behavior of the hypocrites. Concerning expressions, they are characterized by:
long clauses, and statements: ‘O you who believe’. ·
The
importance of knowing whether the Surahs were sent down in Mecca or Medina is
to: differentiate between what is repealing and what has been repealed, know the
Prophet’s biography, study the history and gradual coding of legislations, and
understand the meanings of the Qur’an and appreciate its various styles. ·
Some
verses have been sent down either: on a certain event or in response to a
question raised by the Prophet ( peace be upon him) or the believers. · Benefits derived from knowing the reasons behind revelation are: understanding and interpreting the verses and knowing the wisdom behind revelation.
The reasons behind revealing the verses:
Allah
says:
]بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ
وَالزُّبُرِ
وَأَنزَلْنَا
إِلَيْكَ
الذِّكْرَ
لِتُبَيِّنَ
لِلنَّاسِ
مَا نُزِّلَ
إِلَيْهِمْ
وَلَعَلَّهُمْ
يَتَفَكَّرُون[
(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.” (16, An-Nahl: 44)
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