Surah Familiarization 1443

Sūrat al-Fatiha, no.1. Revealed in Makkah and Madinah, 7 verses.

This Sūra is the first complete Sūra to be revealed to the Prophet (s). It is known as Ummul Kitab, or mother of the book. The word al-Fatiha means the opening, as it is the Sūra with which the Quran opens. Sūra al-Fatiha was revealed twice, once in Makkah and then again in Madinah, and is thus known al-Mathani.

Merits of reciting the Sūra

There are very many merits of this Sūra. Imam Ali (a) quotes the Prophet (s) as saying that it is a treasure in the Divine Throne (Arsh), which has exclusively been given to the Prophet (s). Jibaril told the Prophet (s) that this Sūra prevented punishment of Allah from coming down on the Muslim nation. It is also a Sūra of healing.

Sūrat al-Baqarah, no.2. Revealed in Madinah, 286 verses.

Sūrat al-Baqarah, Part 4 (verses 204-286)

 General synopsis of contents                                                                          

• Qualities of believers and non-believers (verses 204-215)
• Fighting in the way of Allah (verses 216-220)
• Marriage and Divorce (verses 221-242)
• Struggle in the way of Allah (verses 243-245)
• The story of Talut (verses 246-253)
• Greatness of Allah, including Ayat al-Kursi (verses 254-257)
• Story of Prophet Ibrahim (a) (verses 258-261)
• Etiquettes of charity (verses 262-274)
• Usury in Islam (verses 275-281)
• Formalizing a contract (verse 282-283)
• Prayers of believers (verse 284-286)

Sūrat al-Baqarah, no.2. Revealed in Madinah, 286 verses.

Sūrat al-Baqarah, Part 3 (verses 124-203)

General synopsis of contents                                                                          

• The story of Prophet Ibrahim (a) and other Prophets (verses 124-141)
• Changing of the Qibla (verses 142-150)
• Belief and Patience (verses 151-157)
• Laws of Shariah, obedience and disobedience (verses 158-182)
• Fasting and the month of Ramadan (verses 183-187)
• Piety and struggle in the way of Allah (verses 188-195)
• Hajj and Umra (verses 196-203)

Sūrat al-Baqarah, no.2. Revealed in Madinah, 286 verses.

The sura is called al-Baqarah (female cow) from the story of the cow in verses 67-73.

Merits of reciting the Sūra

The Prophet (s) has said: One who recites the first four verses from al-Baqarah, Aayat al-Kursi, and the two verses following it and the last three verses of this Sūra, will never find in himself, his family and his wealth anything of disliking, and shaytan will not approach him, and he will not forget the Qur’an.

Note: These effects will come into place for those who abide by the message of these verses.

Sūrat al-Baqarah, no.2. Revealed in Madinah, 286 verses.

This is the longest Sūra of the Quran. It also has the longest verse of the Quran (verse no.282).

 Merits of reciting the Sūra

The Prophet (s) was asked; which Sūra is the best Sūra of the Quran? He replied ‘al-Baqarah’. He was then asked; which verse is the best verse in that Sūra? He replied, ‘Ayat al-Kursi’.

Note: Other Sūras have also been considered best in various aspects. Sūrat al-Baqarah is considered to be best in its comprehensive coverage of beliefs and social issues.

Sūrat Aale Imran, no.3. Revealed in Madinah, 200 verses.

Sūrat Aale Imran, Part 1 (117-200)

General synopsis of contents   

• Stance against disbelievers (verses 117-121)
• About the battle of Uhud (verses 122-129)
• Rules and advice for believers (verses 130-145)
• Strategies and attitude in battle (verses 146-179)
• Being miserly in giving charity (verses 180-182)
• Those who reject the Prophets (verses 183-189)
• Prayers of the people of understanding (verses 190-195)
• Reward for those who are firm in faith (verses 196-200)

Sūrat Aale Imran, no.3. Revealed in Madinah, 200 verses.

Sūrat Aale Imran, Part 1 (81-116)

General synopsis of contents   

• The disbelievers and rejecters of faith (verses 82-95)
• Pilgrimage to the Ka’aba (verses 96-97)
• People of the Book (verses 98-100)
• The signs of Allah (verses 101-109)
• Various groups of people (verses 110-116)

Sūrat Aale Imran, no.3. Revealed in Madinah, 200 verses.

 This Sūra was revealed during the occasions of the battles of Badr and Uhud and covers some of the most tumultuous times of the early Muslims.

Merits of reciting the Sūra

 Imam al-Sadiq (a) has said; Whoever recites Sūra al-Baqarah and Sūra Aale Imran will come on the Day of Judgment with their shade over him like two clouds.

Note: This shade and protection will be for those who follow the teachings of the Sūras.

Sūrat al-Nisaa, no.4. Revealed in Madinah, 176 verses.

Sūrat al-Nisaa Part 3 (verses 136-176)

General synopsis of contents                                                                          

• Disbelievers and hypocrites (verses 136-152)
• The people of the Book (verses 153-162)
• Revelation to Prophets (verses 163-172)
• Reward for believers (verses 173-175)
• Laws of inheritance (verse 176)

Sūrat al-Nisaa, no.4. Revealed in Madinah, 176 verses.

Chronologically, Sūrat al-Nisaa is the 92nd Sūra to be revealed.

Merits of reciting the Sūra

Imam Ali (a) has said that one who recites this Sūra on Fridays will be protected from pressure in the grave.

 Note: The protection would be a result of having understood and followed the message of the Sūra.

Sūrat al-Nisaa Part 2 (verses 57-135)