The Qur’an, Importance, Classification by Place and Time of Revelation for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Qur’an
Focal competence: Assessing the rich resources and multidisciplinary nature of the Glorious Qur’an
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Assessing the characteristics of Makkī and Madani Suwar

Previous Lesson: Arabic Text, English Translation and Lessons of Surah Al-Insan
Topic: Classification Of Suwar Of The Glorious Qur’An And Its Importance In Muslim Life
Subject Matter: Division of chapters of the Qur’an according to place and time of revelation, Identification of the characteristics of Makkī and Madani Suwar, Importance of the Glorious Qur’an

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define Makkī and Madani suwar.
• Differentiate between the Makkī and Madani suwar through their characteristics.
• List the Makkī and Madani suwar.
• Highlight the importance of the Glorious Qur’an to Muslims and non-Muslims.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the divine wisdom in the revelation of the Qur’an over time.
• Develop a greater reverence for the Glorious Qur’an.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify Makkī and Madani suwar when reading the Qur’an.
• Create simple charts categorising Makkī and Madani suwar.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Islamic Studies textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• The internet
• Complete copies of the Glorious Qur’an
• Charts containing the lists of Makkī and Madani Suwar
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the classification of Qur’anic chapters into Makkī and Madani helps students appreciate the historical context and thematic development of the divine revelation. This knowledge deepens their comprehension of Islamic teachings and their application in daily life, fostering a stronger connection to the Qur’an as a source of guidance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of the Glorious Qur’an as the holy book of Islam and the concept of its revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Classification Of Suwar Of The Glorious Qur’An And Its Importance In Muslim Life

Meaning of Makkī and Madani Suwar

The chapters (suwar) of the Glorious Qur’an are classified into Makkī and Madani based on the time and place of their revelation. This classification helps in understanding the context and themes of the verses.

1. Makkī Suwar: These are chapters or verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) before his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah. Most of these revelations occurred in Makkah.
2. Madani Suwar: These are chapters or verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah. Most of these revelations occurred in Madinah.

Characteristics of Makkī Suwar

Makkī suwar generally possess the following characteristics:

1. They often have shorter verses and a more concise, powerful style.
2. They primarily address humanity in general, often beginning with “Yā ayyuhan-nās” (O mankind!).
3. Their main themes revolve around fundamental beliefs: the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), prophethood, the Day of Judgment, resurrection, and accountability.
4. They contain strong arguments against polytheism (shirk) and idol worship.
5. They frequently include stories of past prophets and nations as warnings and lessons.
6. Many Makkī suwar contain the word “Kallā” (Nay!) as a form of reprimand.
7. They often contain verses that require prostration (Sajdah) upon recitation.
8. They are generally shorter in length compared to Madani suwar.

Characteristics of Madani Suwar

Madani suwar typically exhibit these characteristics:

1. They usually have longer verses and a more detailed, elaborate style.
2. They primarily address the believers, often beginning with “Yā ayyuhal-ladhīna āmanū” (O you who believe!).
3. Their main themes focus on Islamic law (Shari’ah), social regulations, family matters, inheritance, civil and criminal laws, and principles of governance and warfare (Jihad).
4. They often mention hypocrites (munafiqūn) and their characteristics.
5. They may refer to specific companions of the Prophet and their roles.
6. They are generally longer in length compared to Makkī suwar.

Examples of Makkī Suwar

Some examples of Makkī suwar include:

1. Surah Al-Fatiha
2. Surah Al-Ikhlas
3. Surah An-Nas
4. Surah Al-Falaq
5. Surah Al-Kafirun
6. Surah Al-Masad
7. Surah Al-Quraish
8. Surah Al-Fil
9. Surah Al-Humazah
10. Surah Al-Asr

Examples of Madani Suwar

Some examples of Madani suwar include:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah
2. Surah Al-Imran
3. Surah An-Nisa
4. Surah Al-Ma’idah
5. Surah Al-Anfal
6. Surah At-Tawbah
7. Surah An-Nur
8. Surah Al-Ahzab
9. Surah Muhammad
10. Surah Al-Hujurat

Importance of the Glorious Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an holds immense importance for Muslims and humanity at large:

1. Divine Guidance: It is the ultimate source of guidance for all aspects of life, providing clear principles for spiritual, moral, social, economic, and political conduct.
2. Source of Islamic Law: It forms the primary foundation of Islamic law (Shari’ah), outlining permissible (halal) and impermissible (haram) actions.
3. Spiritual Healing: Its recitation and reflection bring peace to hearts, heal spiritual ailments, and strengthen faith.
4. Remembrance of Allah: It serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s attributes, power, and mercy, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator.
5. Source of Knowledge and Wisdom: It contains profound wisdom, scientific signs, and historical narratives that inspire contemplation and learning.
6. Miracle of Islam: Its linguistic eloquence, timeless message, and preservation over centuries are considered a standing miracle of Islam.
7. Intercessor on the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that the Qur’an will intercede for its reciters and followers on the Day of Judgment.
8. Unites the Muslim Ummah: It provides a common spiritual and legal framework that unites Muslims worldwide.
9. Moral and Ethical Teachings: It promotes virtues such as justice, compassion, honesty, patience, and forgiveness, guiding humanity towards a righteous life.
10. Universal Message: While primarily for Muslims, its universal moral and ethical principles resonate with people of all backgrounds.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Group Work, Research Activity.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elicitation/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they know about the Glorious Qur’an, specifically if they know how its chapters are sometimes grouped or classified. The teacher then introduces the topic of Makkī and Madani suwar.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to Qur’an classification

Step 2: Definition of Makkī and Madani Suwar

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the definitions of Makkī and Madani suwar, emphasising that the classification is based on the time (before or after Hijrah) and place of revelation (Makkah or Madinah). The teacher clarifies that “Makkī” refers to revelations before Hijrah, and “Madani” to revelations after Hijrah.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and take initial notes on the definitions.

Learning Point: Meaning of Makkī and Madani

Step 3: Characteristics of Makkī Suwar

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Inquiry/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to use copies of the Glorious Qur’an and the internet (if available) to identify and discuss the characteristics of Makkī suwar. The teacher highlights key features like shorter verses, focus on Tawhid, and addressing mankind.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively search for and discuss characteristics of Makkī suwar, sharing their findings with the class.

Learning Point: Features of Makkī Suwar

Step 4: Characteristics of Madani Suwar

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Comparative Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues to guide students to identify and discuss the characteristics of Madani suwar, contrasting them with Makkī suwar. The teacher focuses on features like longer verses, focus on Islamic law, and addressing believers.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss characteristics of Madani suwar, noting the differences from Makkī suwar.

Learning Point: Features of Madani Suwar

Step 5: Listing Makkī and Madani Suwar

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Categorisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts containing lists of Makkī and Madani suwar. The teacher also guides students to use their copies of the Glorious Qur’an to identify and list a few examples for each category.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts and identify/list examples of Makkī and Madani suwar from their Qur’an copies.

Learning Point: Examples of classifications

Step 6: Importance of the Glorious Qur’an

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Emphasis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the profound importance of the Glorious Qur’an for Muslims and humanity, covering aspects like guidance, source of law, spiritual healing, and its role as a miracle.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute their understanding of the Qur’an’s importance.

Learning Point: Significance of the Qur’an

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define Makkī and Madani suwar.
2. Mention three characteristics of Makkī suwar.
3. Mention three characteristics of Madani suwar.
4. List two Makkī and two Madani suwar.
5. State two importance of the Glorious Qur’an.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the classification and importance of the Qur’an into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the significance of understanding the Qur’an’s classification and its overall importance in Muslim life. The teacher encourages students to continue studying the Qur’an.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidation of learning

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Research and write a short essay (not more than one page) on how knowing the difference between Makkī and Madani suwar can help a Muslim better understand the message of the Qur’an.

1. Define Makkī and Madani suwar in your own words.
2. Provide at least three distinct characteristics for each type of surah.
3. Give two examples of Makkī suwar and two examples of Madani suwar.
4. Explain how understanding these classifications enhances a Muslim’s comprehension of the Qur’an.

Lesson Keywords

• Qur’an – The holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
• Suwar – Plural of Surah, meaning chapters of the Qur’an.
• Makkī – Chapters or verses revealed before the Hijrah (migration to Madinah).
• Madani – Chapters or verses revealed after the Hijrah (migration to Madinah).
• Hijrah – The migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
• Tawhid – The Islamic concept of the indivisible Oneness of God.
• Shari’ah – Islamic law derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Differentiation

Support: For students who struggle, provide simplified charts with fewer characteristics and examples. Pair them with stronger students for the internet research activity and provide direct guidance on identifying key information. Focus on the core definitions and a few prominent characteristics.

Extension: Encourage advanced students to research specific historical events associated with the revelation of particular Makkī or Madani suwar. They could also explore how the themes of Makkī and Madani suwar reflect the different stages of the early Muslim community’s development.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for:

• Makki and Madani Surahs Islamic Studies SS1
• Importance of the Quran for Muslims