How Many Surahs in the Quran?

The Holy Quran is the final and most preserved revelation from Allah (SWT), sent to guide humanity towards truth and righteousness. For Muslims in the UK and around the world, understanding its structure deepens their connection with Islam.

The Quran is divided into Surahs (chapters) and Ayahs (verses) — a divine system that reflects perfect balance and purpose. Learning how many Surahs are in the Quran and what each represents helps Muslims appreciate not just the text, but its timeless wisdom.

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder (the Quran), and indeed, We will be its guardian.” — [Surah Al-Hijr 15:9]

To learn the Quran with professional tutors from the comfort of your home, explore our Online Quran Classes.

What Is a Surah in the Quran?

Meaning and Linguistic Roots of “Surah”

The Arabic word “Surah” (سورة) comes from the root “s-w-r”, which means “a step,” “an elevated structure,” or “an enclosure.” Each Surah is like a distinct section or chapter of a grand divine structure, forming part of the complete message of Islam.

The Role of Surahs in the Quran’s Organization

Each Surah carries a unique theme and divine message. The Quran’s 114 Surahs cover areas such as faith, morality, law, history, and the unseen. Unlike typical books, the Surahs in the Quran are not arranged by time or topic — their order was divinely instructed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

How Many Surahs in Quran?

The Total Number of Surahs

There are 114 Surahs in the Quran, revealed over 23 years to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — starting in 610 CE in Makkah and concluding in 632 CE in Madinah.
Each Surah varies in length: some contain just 3 verses, while others include hundreds.

Distribution Between Makki and Madani Surahs

Scholars classify Surahs as Makki or Madani, based on where they were revealed:

• Makki Surahs: 86 Surahs revealed before the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah.
• Madani Surahs: 28 Surahs revealed after the migration.

This distinction helps understand the changing focus of revelation — from faith and patience in Makkah to law, community, and justice in Madinah.

Why the Number 114 Is Significant

The Quran’s 114 chapters are not random. Many scholars point out the numerical and thematic symmetry — for example, half of the Surahs emphasize faith and the other half focus on actions. This balance mirrors the harmony in Islamic belief and practice.

Classification of Surahs – Makki vs. Madani

Characteristics of Makki Surahs

• Focus on Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah).
• Emphasis on belief in the Hereafter and moral purification.
• Use of powerful, short verses for emotional and spiritual impact.
  Examples: Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Qariah, Surah Al-Mursalat.

Characteristics of Madani Surahs

• Discuss Islamic law, community life, and social justice.
• Often longer, with detailed verses on family, trade, and governance.
  Examples: Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah An-Nisa.

How Scholars Identify the Type of Surah

The main criterion is time and place of revelation, not the subject. Even if a Makki Surah discusses laws, it remains Makki if revealed before Hijrah.

The Longest and Shortest Surahs in the Quran

Surah Al-Baqarah – The Longest Surah

• Verses: 286
• Revealed in: Madinah
• Themes: Faith, prayer, charity, fasting, family life, and justice.
  It begins with “Alif Laam Meem” and includes Ayat al-Kursi (Verse 255) — one of the most powerful verses in the Quran.

Surah Al-Kawthar – The Shortest Surah

• Verses: 3
• Revealed in: Makkah
• Theme: Allah’s abundant blessings and gratitude.

Together, these two Surahs show how length does not determine spiritual value — both carry profound meaning.

The Order and Arrangement of Surahs

Revelation Order vs. Compilation Order

The Quran was revealed in parts over two decades, but arranged in the current sequence under divine instruction.
The first revelation was Surah Al-Alaq (96), while the last revealed Surah was Surah An-Nasr (110).

Who Arranged the Surahs?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), guided by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), instructed the companions where each verse should be placed. This order remains unchanged since the time of revelation.

Preservation of the Surah Order

Today, every printed and digital Quran across the world — from London to Lahore — is identical in order and content, fulfilling Allah’s promise of preservation.

Importance of Understanding the Surahs

Spiritual Benefits of Learning Surah Meanings

Understanding Surahs helps Muslims connect deeply with the Quran, improving concentration in Salah and reflection in daily life.

How Surahs Guide Daily Life

The Quran teaches patience during hardship, honesty in trade, mercy in relationships, and justice in society — principles essential for Muslims living in modern Britain.

The Rewards of Memorizing and Reciting Surahs

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” — Sahih Bukhari

Start your memorization journey with our Online Hifz Classes.

Thematic Grouping of Surahs

• Faith and Belief: Surah Al-Fatihah, Surah Al-Ikhlas
• Prophets and History: Surah Yusuf, Surah Maryam
• Law and Morality: Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah An-Nisa
• Warnings and Hope: Surah Al-Mulk, Surah Ar-Rahman

Each Surah strengthens a believer’s moral and spiritual foundation.

Surahs Frequently Recited in Salah

• Short Surahs: Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas
• Recommended Surahs: The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged reciting Surah Al-Mulk and Surah As-Sajdah before sleeping.

Reciting Surahs regularly builds a peaceful connection with Allah and brings blessings into one’s life.

The Miracle of the Quran’s Structure

• Linguistic Perfection: Every word is eloquently placed.
• Numerical Harmony: The word “day” appears 365 times — the number of days in a year.
• Divine Coherence: Themes connect perfectly from beginning to end — a miracle unmatched by any human book.

Memorizing the Surahs – The Journey of a Hafiz

Becoming a Hafiz (memorizer of the Quran) is a noble act in Islam.
Today, digital tools and online tutors make Hifz accessible to Muslims in the UK.
Children and adults can now learn directly from native Arabic tutors through Quran Memorization Courses.

The Revelation of the Quran Over 23 Years

The Quran was revealed gradually — sometimes a few verses, other times entire chapters — addressing real-life events faced by Muslims.

This gradual revelation strengthened the believers, educated society, and guided them through every stage of community development.

Famous Surahs and Their Virtues

• Surah Al-Fatihah: Recited in every prayer; a summary of the Quran’s message.
• Surah Yaseen: Known as the Heart of the Quran.
• Surah Al-Ikhlas: Emphasises Tawheed — the foundation of Islamic faith.

Each carries blessings and rewards when recited sincerely.

Scientific and Prophetic Wonders in the Surahs

Modern discoveries have confirmed what the Quran revealed centuries ago:

• Embryology: Described in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:12–14).
• Mountains’ stability: Mentioned in Surah An-Naba (78:6–7).
• Sea barriers: Explained in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:19–20).

These insights continue to amaze scientists and believers alike.

The Quran as a Living Miracle

The Quran is not just a book of history — it’s a living miracle. Its words transform hearts, societies, and generations. Despite 1,400+ years passing, not a single verse has changed, and millions have memorized it word-for-word across the globe.

Conclusion – Reflecting on the 114 Surahs of the Quran

The 114 Surahs of the Quran represent divine knowledge, mercy, and guidance for all of humanity.
For Muslims in the UK, understanding and reflecting on these Surahs brings peace, faith, and direction in life’s challenges.

To strengthen your connection with Allah through His book, start learning today with Learn Quran Online UK.

FAQs

Q1: How many Surahs are in the Quran?
There are 114 Surahs in total.

Q2: Which Surah was revealed first?
The first Surah revealed was Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96).

Q3: Which Surah is the longest and which is the shortest?
Surah Al-Baqarah is the longest; Surah Al-Kawthar is the shortest.

Q4: How are Surahs divided between Makki and Madani?
There are approximately 86 Makki Surahs and 28 Madani Surahs.

Q5: Why is learning Surahs important for Muslims?
Because each Surah contains divine guidance, spiritual lessons, and eternal wisdom that lead to success in this life and the Hereafter.