Back to Quran Analysis

Revelation Analysis

Explore the chronological order and contextual classification of Quranic revelation

Revelation Classifications

Makki (مكي)

86 Surahs

Revealed in Mecca before Hijrah (610-622 CE)

Characteristics:

  • Focus on monotheism and Day of Judgment
  • Short, powerful verses
  • Moral teachings and warnings
  • Stories of previous prophets

Examples:

Al-FatihahAl-IkhlasAl-KafirunAl-Fil

Madani (مدني)

28 Surahs

Revealed in Medina after Hijrah (622-632 CE)

Characteristics:

  • Detailed legal and social guidance
  • Community building and state establishment
  • Battle-related revelations
  • Comprehensive Islamic law

Examples:

Al-BaqarahAli ImranAn-NisaAl-Maidah

Middle (وسطي)

0 Surahs

Revealed during Hijrah journey between Mecca and Medina

Characteristics:

  • Transitional guidance
  • Comfort and encouragement
  • Preparation for new phase

Examples:

Some verses in Al-Baqarah

Juhfa (جحفة)

0 Surahs

Revealed at Juhfa (location between Mecca and Medina)

Characteristics:

  • Specific geographical context
  • Transitional period revelations

Examples:

Rare instances during travel

Chronological Timeline

1

Early Meccan (610-615 CE)

First 5 years of revelation

Example Surahs:

Al-AlaqAl-QalamAl-MuzzammilAl-Muddaththir

Key Characteristics:

  • Short verses
  • Monotheism focus
  • Day of Judgment warnings
2

Middle Meccan (615-620 CE)

Middle Meccan period

Example Surahs:

Al-ArafYunusHudYusuf

Key Characteristics:

  • Longer Surahs
  • Prophet stories
  • Legal guidance
3

Late Meccan (620-622 CE)

Final Meccan period before Hijrah

Example Surahs:

Al-AnkabutAr-RumLuqman

Key Characteristics:

  • Migration preparation
  • Comfort
  • Community building
4

Early Madani (622-625 CE)

First 3 years in Medina

Example Surahs:

Al-BaqarahAli ImranAn-Nisa

Key Characteristics:

  • State establishment
  • Community laws
  • Social organization
5

Middle Madani (625-628 CE)

Middle Madani period

Example Surahs:

Al-AnfalAl-HajjAn-Nur

Key Characteristics:

  • Battle revelations
  • Treaty negotiations
  • Expansion
6

Late Madani (628-632 CE)

Final years of revelation

Example Surahs:

Al-MaidahAt-TawbahAn-Nasr

Key Characteristics:

  • Conquest of Mecca
  • Completion
  • Final guidance

Sources & Methodology

Classical Sources

  • • Asbab al-Nuzul by Al-Wahidi
  • • Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran by Al-Suyuti
  • • Tafsir Ibn Kathir
  • • Tafsir Al-Tabari

Modern Research

  • • Islamic University of Medina Research
  • • King Fahd Complex for Printing Quran
  • • Al-Azhar University Studies
  • • Tanzil Project Documentation