The "chapters of the Quran" refer to the 114 individual Surahs (literally meaning the chapters), that are further divided into Ayahs (verses). These chapters or the surahs are of varying lengths both in terms of verse number and length of verses themselves.
The Quran consists of one short introductory chapter (Q1), eight very long chapters, making up one-third of the Quran (Q2‒9); 19 mid-length chapters, making up another one-third (Q10‒28); and 86 short and very short ones of the last one-third (Q29‒114).
circa 610-622 CE
al-Fatihah
The first surah, al-Fatihah, known as "The Opening", is a short but central chapter that holds a significant place in Islamic worship and prayer. It was revealed in Mecca during the early period of prophet Muhammad's prophethood, around 610 CE, making it one of the earliest revelations. The surah al-Fatihah is a foundational surah that introduces the core principles of the Islamic faith, including the praise of Allah, the concept of guidance, and the importance of seeking divine assistance. It is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer (salah) and serves as a preface to the entire Qur'an, encapsulating its essence in seven concise verses.
circa
al-Baqarah
The surah al-Baqarah, which literally translates to "The Cow", is the second and longest surah in the Qur'an, consisting of 286 verses. This surah was revealed in Medina and is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive revelations after the Hijrah (the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE). It addresses a wide range of topics, including theology, laws, ethics, and guidance for personal and communal conduct. The revelation purpose of the surah was to provide detailed instructions for the Muslim community on various aspects of life, such as legal matters, dietary laws, worship, family relations, financial affairs and communal matters. Additionally, it discusses the stories of earlier prophets and highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude to Allah. Surah al-Baqarah serves as a foundation for the principles and practices of the Islamic faith.
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