Understanding the makeup of the Holy Quran is a deeply rewarding journey—especially when asking, how many Madani Surah in Quran? The answer is 28: these chapters play an essential role in shaping Islamic law, community, and daily conduct for Muslims worldwide.
What Makes a Surah “Madani”?
Madani Surahs are those revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah. This period marked a turning point for the fledgling Muslim community, providing much-needed stability. The revelations in these chapters reflected this stability, focusing on:
Governance and law
Community organization
Social justice and welfare
Interfaith relationships, especially with Jews and Christians
How Many Madani Surah In Quran? The List
The Quran contains 114 chapters, of which 28 are Madani Surahs. Some key examples include:
Al-Baqarah
Ali ‘Imran
An-Nisa
Al-Ma’idah
Al-Anfal
At-Tawbah
An-Nur
Al-Ahzab
Muhammad
Al-Fath
Al-Hujurat
Al-Mumtahina
Al-Hadid
Al-Mujadila
Al-Hashr
As-Saff
Al-Jumu’ah
Al-Munafiqun
At-Taghabun
At-Talaq
At-Tahrim
Ad-Dahr
Al-Bayyinah
Az-Zalzalah
An-Nasr
These chapters are distinguished by their legal rulings, ethics, and detailed guidance for a maturing society.
Hallmarks of Madani Surahs
When exploring “How many Madani Surah in Quran?”, it’s important to recognize their unique characteristics:
Longer, detailed passages packed with legislative content
Frequent addresses to “O you who believe” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا), emphasizing community and faith
Guidance for building social, economic, and international relations
Instructions tackling hypocrisy among the ranks (the Munafiqun)
Clear guidelines for Jihad in all its forms (striving for moral and communal excellence)
Why Is This Distinction Important?
Distinguishing between Madani and Makki Surahs benefits readers by:
Providing historical context to revelations
Aiding interpretation, especially understanding which verses came later and could abrogate previous rulings
Helping Muslims appreciate how faith and law matured as challenges changed
Connecting the Quran’s teachings to the Prophet’s life events
Style and Tone
Madani Surahs are usually written in a clear, direct style—often longer, with comprehensive commandments and instructions on:
Religious obligations (Salah, Zakat, fasting)
Family and inheritance law
Trade, contracts, and disputes
Relations with non-Muslims
Madani vs. Makki Surahs
Feature
Madani Surahs
Makki Surahs
Number
28
86
Place of Revelation
After Hijrah (Madinah)
Before Hijrah (Makkah)
Length
Generally longer, detailed
Short, concise
Themes
Laws, social order, Jihad
Core beliefs, Prophethood
Addressees
“O you who believe”
“O people”
Focus
Community/social affairs
Tawheed, Hereafter
People of the Book
Frequent engagement
Rare mention
Mention of Hypocrites
Common
Rare
FAQs: How Many Madani Surah In Quran?
What are Madani Surahs? These are the 28 chapters revealed after the Prophet’s migration to Madinah, generally addressing law, society, and defending the new Muslim community.
How do you recognize a Madani Surah? They often begin with “O you who believe”, are longer, and focus on detailed rulings.
Why did Madani Surahs differ from Makki ones? With a secure society in Madinah, revelations shifted from foundational beliefs to building a functional community and legal framework.
Why is it important to ask “How many Madani Surah in Quran?” Knowing this helps in understanding the progression of Islamic guidance and law, and enhances Holy Quranic interpretation.
Do Madani Surahs mention Jihad? Yes, regulation of Jihad and defense are prominent themes, but the concept encompasses more than warfare, including striving for justice and self-discipline.
Are there mixed Surahs? Scholars sometimes debate a few chapters where Makki and Madani verses are mixed, but the main count is well established.
Further Reading
For spiritual events central to the Quranic narrative, such as Shab-e-Meraj, see this practical guide: Shab-e-Meraj Nawafil in Urdu.