Quran Surahs List with Meanings: The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is divided into 114 surahs or chapters. These surahs contain the revelations that Muslims believe were communicated to the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W between approximately 610 CE and 632 CE. The surahs vary significantly in length, with the shortest containing only three verses and the longest containing 286 verses. In this article, the Qiratul Quran will go through the names of each surah, their meanings, and key themes to know the Quran Surahs List with Meanings.
Early Meccan Surahs
The early surahs of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. after he began receiving revelations in Mecca. These focus heavily on outlining the core tenets of Islamic theology. These are the Quran Surahs List with Meanings:
Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
This first surah serves as an introduction to the Quran. It emphasizes God’s mercy, guidance, and sovereignty.
Al-Baqarah (The Cow)
A lengthy surah outlining various social contracts, stories of earlier prophets, and righteous behaviors. Its name refers to the story of the cow that the Israelites were ordered to sacrifice.
Aal-e-Imran (The Family of Imran)
Discussing the story of the Virgin Mary and her son Jesus, among other topics. Named for the family of Amram, father of Moses and Aaron.
An-Nisa (The Women)
Contains reforms meant to protect the rights of women and orphans in society.
Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)
Lays down dietary restrictions, code of conduct, and justice reforms. Named for the heavenly food Jesus asked God to send down to people.
Later Meccan Surahs
As opposition in Mecca grew stronger, the surahs from this period focused more on affirming Muhammad’s prophecy and warning of the Day of Judgement.
Al-An’am (The Cattle)
Primarily focuses on responding to polytheists’ objections while affirming God’s power and oneness.
Al-A’raf (The Heights)
Contrasts belief and righteousness with sinfulness and corruption. Named for a wall separating the righteous and unrighteous in the afterlife.
Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)
Lays down ethics and laws pertaining to war, treatment of prisoners, and distributing spoils.
At-Tawba (The Repentance)
Emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and Muhammad. Warned those who broke treaties with Muslims.
Surah Yunus (Jonas)
References the story of the prophet Jonas and highlights God’s ability to both punish and forgive.
Medinan Surahs
The surahs from the Medina period focused on organizing the early Muslim community and included more legal and social guidelines.
Al-Baqarah (The Heifer)
Calls on Israelites to recognize God’s signs and Muhammad as a prophet. Named for Moses ordering the sacrifice of a heifer to identify a murderer.
Aal-e-Imran (The Family of Imran)
References religious sites significant to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Asks People of the Book to find common ground.
An-Nisa (The Women)
Introduces reforms elevating women’s rights regarding marriage, inheritance, and conduct.
Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread)
Establishes basic dietary laws of Islam. Named for the feast God gave Jesus and the disciples.
Al-An’am (The Cattle)
Distinguishes idolatry from belief in the one God. Mentions the Prophet Muhammad’s opponents in Mecca.
Al-A’raf (The Heights)
References the barrier separating heaven and hell. Urges people to follow God’s prophets.
Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)
Covers laws and ethics of warfare, treatment of prisoners, and distributing spoils equitably.
At-Tawba (The Repentance)
Emphasizes obedience to God and Muhammad. Warned those who broke treaties.
Surah Yunus (Jonas)
References Prophet Jonas and God’s power to punish and forgive. Reminds people of the brevity of worldly life.
Surah Hud
References Prophet Hud who warned his people ‘Aad against idolatry and arrogance before their destruction.
Surah Yusuf (Joseph)
Details Prophet Joseph’s life, beginning with his brothers throwing him in a well out of jealousy.
Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder)
Contrasts true belief with disbelief, among other themes. Named for thunder praising God.
Ibrahim (Abraham)
References Abraham’s monotheistic teachings and his role in building the Kaaba in Mecca.
Al-Hijr
Refers to towns of Al-Hijr that were punished for rejecting God’s prophets.
An-Nahl (The Bee)
Draws lessons from the lives of prophets and from nature, like the bee.
Al-Isra (The Night Journey)
Recounts the Prophet’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascension to the heavens.
Al-Kahf (The Cave)
Tells the story of the People of the Cave who took refuge in a cave to escape religious persecution.
Surah Maryam
Details the lives of various prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Mary mother of Jesus.
Surah Taha
References the prophets Moses, Abraham, and other messengers calling people to the right path.
Al-Anbiya (The Prophets)
Discusses the lives and missions of many prophets sent to various nations.
Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage)
Describes the virtues of pilgrimage to Mecca and references events from the story of Abraham.
Al-Muminun (The Believers)
Distinguishes true believers from hypocrites and describes qualities of the faithful.
An-Nur (The Light)
Contains rules meant to protect morality and privacy in society.
Al-Furqan (The Criterion)
On judgement day the righteous will be distinguished from the wicked.
Ash-Shuara (The Poets)
Cites stories of prophets David, Solomon, Job, Moses, Aaron, Lot, and other prophets.
An-Naml (The Ants)
References the stories of Solomon and Sheba, Lot, and Saleh as examples during the conflict.
Al-Qasas (The Story)
Details the life of Moses from his childhood through preaching to Pharaoh.
Al-Ankabut (The Spider)
Compares the flimsy homes of idolaters to spider webs and contrasts them with the faithful.
Ar-Rum (The Romans)
Prophesied the defeat of the Romans by the Persians and that the Romans would later triumph again.
Surah Luqman
References the wisdom Luqman shared with his son, urging morality and moderation.
As-Sajdah (The Prostration)
Muslims prostrate during its recitation. Discusses God’s power and the purpose of humanity.
Al-Ahzab (The Clans)
Laid down laws for the early Muslim community. Al-Ahzab refers to clans who fought Muslims.
Saba’ (Sheba)
Tells the story of the people of Sheba who were blessed and then punished for ungratefulness.
Fatir (The Originator)
Emphasizes God as the originator of creation, to whom we will return after death.
Surah Yaseen
The Prophet said this surah’s virtues are unmatched. It affirms resurrection and God’s unity.
As-Saffat (Those who set the Ranks)
Describes angels that worship God above, and scenes from the final judgment day.
Surah Sad (ص)
Letters Sad open surah. References stories of David, Solomon, righteous servants, and those who stray.
Az-Zumar (The Troops)
‘Troops’ refers to groups of angels glorifying God and groups of disbelievers entering hell.
Ghafir (The Forgiver)
Opens with “Ha Mim”. Discusses God’s forgiveness for the righteous and punishment for disbelievers.
Fussilat (Explained in Detail)
‘Explained in detail’ refers to God’s clear revelations. Describes events on judgment day.
Ash-Shura (Consultation)
Muslims should consult one another in collective affairs. References stories of other prophets.
Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments of Gold)
Contrasts the pursuit of worldly interests vs. the hereafter. Life’s luxuries are transient.
Ad-Dukhan (Smoke)
Smoke signifies the approaching judgment day. Warns against idolatry and faithlessness.
Al-Jathiya (Crouching)
Describes judgment scenes where the sinful will crouch terrified while the righteous rejoice.
Al-Ahqaf (The Wind-curved Sandhills)
Reference to sand dunes where the prophets Hud and Saleh preached. Believers are rewarded.
Surah Muhammad S.A.W
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W is told to continue preaching and not to seek forgiveness from the disbelievers.
Al-Fath (The Victory)
Celebrates the peaceful victory of the treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Believers will be rewarded.
Al-Hujurat (The Inner Apartments)
Gives guidance for proper etiquette in the Prophet’s house and interactions between believers.
Surah Qaf
Qaf are letters opening surah. Describes judgment day scenes when deeds are weighed and the wicked punished.
Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds)
Winnowing winds separate good from evil deeds. References stories of earlier prophets.
At-Tur (The Mount)
By Mount Sinai and the Book inscribed. Describes judgment day and the fate of evildoers.
An-Najm (The Star)
The star refers to the descent of the Quran or Archangel Gabriel. Affirms Muhammad’s prophethood.
Al-Qamar (The Moon)
The moon was split in two during the Prophet’s time as a sign for nonbelievers. They still did not believe.
Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious)
Emphasizes God’s grace upon humanity. Vividly contrasts the fates of the righteous and the damned.
Al-Waqi’ah (The Inevitable Event)
The inevitable event is judgment day. Describes the ultimate destiny of the righteous and wicked.
Al-Hadid (The Iron)
Iron symbolizes strength in warfare but more importantly, strength of faith. Discusses hypocrisy.
Al-Mujadila (The Pleading Woman)
A woman pleads her case directly to the Prophet for justice. Rules for divorce are prescribed.
Al-Hashr (The Gathering)
Referring to the gathering of enemies banished after trying to divide the early Muslims.
Al-Mumtahina (The Woman to be Examined)
A female convert is examined to verify her loyalty to Islam over her disbelieving tribe.
As-Saff (The Ranks)
References spiritual ranks of the faithful. Urges belief, self-sacrifice, and obedience to God.
Al-Jumu’ah (Friday)
Establishes Friday prayer. Warns of pursuing worldly interests over remembering and obeying God.
Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites)
Criticizes hypocrites who pretend belief but discourage others in battle. Affirms the Prophet’s leadership.
At-Taghabun (Loss and Gain)
Contrasts the spiritual loss of disbelievers with the gain of the righteous on judgment day.
At-Talaq (Divorce)
Outlines rules and procedures for divorce in the early Muslim community. Seeks reconciliation.
At-Tahrim (Banning)
Banning refers to the Prophet’s wives being prohibited from him for a time after he forbade himself honey.
Al-Mulk (The Sovereignty)
Affirms God’s total sovereignty over creation. References punishments faced by those who deny the resurrection.
Al-Qalam (The Pen)
The Pen symbolizes the first revelation. Warns disbelievers of their lies and slander against the Prophet.
Al-Haqqah (The Reality)
The Reality refers to the unavoidable Day of Judgement. Vivid scenes of judgment day are described.
Al-Ma’arij (The Ascending Stairways)
Refers to ascending spiritual levels of the faithful or the stairways the righteous will ascend to heaven on judgment day.
Surah Nuh (Noah)
Briefly summarize the story of Noah and how he called his people to worship God alone. Most still rejected him.
Al-Jinn (The Jinn)
Jinn listened to the Quran and was impressed. They described how humans can sometimes be misguided by evil Jinn.
Al-Muzzammil (Enshrouded One)
The Prophet is commanded to pray night prayers and be steadfast. Disbelievers will be punished.
Al-Muddaththir (Cloaked One)
The Prophet is ordered to publicly preach Islam and leave those who remain arrogant and heedless.
Al-Qiyamah (The Resurrection)
Vividly describes scenes before the day of Resurrection. Humans will be recreated and judged.
Al-Insan (The Human)
Affirms that righteous believers will be rewarded with Paradise where they will recline and drink among other comforts.
Al-Mursalat (Those Sent Forth)
‘Those sent forth’ refers to winds that will bear witness for or against people on judgment day.
An-Naba’ (The Tidings)
Tidings refer to the news of the judgment day. Describes the varied fates people will face based on their deeds.
An-Nazi’at (Those Who Tear Out)
Refers to angels removing souls from bodies at death or on judgment day. Follow God, not personal desires.
Abasa (He Frowned)
The Prophet frowned at a blind man interrupting him from speaking with elites. He is gently admonished by God.
At-Takwir (The Overthrowing)
Overthrowing refers to the darkening of the sun on judgment day. Terrifying scenes of judgment are depicted.
Al-Infitar (The Cleaving Asunder)
Heaven and earth will be cleaved asunder on judgment day. All deeds will be exposed before God.
Al-Mutaffifin (The Defrauding)
Warns against cheating in trade. On judgement day the righteous will be rewarded and deceitful punished.
Al-Inshiqaq (The Sundering)
Heaven sunders on judgment day. All will be judged justly by their deeds and ethics, not status or wealth.
Al-Buruj (The Constellations)
Constellations that appear on judgment day. Tells stories of communities punished for persecuting believers.
At-Tariq (The Nightcomer)
‘Nightcomer’ refers to an angel descending during the night of power with God’s decree. All have a time of final judgment.
Al-A’la (The Most High)
Declares God’s total glory and perfection. Teaches that the Quran guides us to the most upright path.
Al-Ghashiyah (The Overwhelming)
The overwhelming event of judgment day will terrify the wicked while the righteous will dwell in gardens.
Al-Fajr (The Dawn)
Dawn represents the Day of Judgement or soul reaching enlightenment. The fate of tribes who persecuted prophets is mentioned.
Al-Balad (The City)
Refers to Mecca. People should be grateful for God’s favors and bounties and obey him.
Ash-Shams (The Sun)
By the Sun. Man is inspired by both good and evil. Blessings are meant to draw people to righteousness.
Al-Lail (The Night)
By the night. Contrasts those who misuse blessings and violate rights with those who give charity and are patient.
Ad-Dhuha (The Morning Hours)
Refers to morning hours. God has not forsaken Muhammad. Worship God alone and serve the needy.
Al-Inshirah (Solace)
God consoled the Prophet after a difficult time. With struggle comes relief. Be devoted to God alone.
At-Tin (The Fig)
By the fig and olive. Mankind is created in the best form when righteous. The judgment day is coming.
Al-Alaq (The Clot)
The first revelation came when Muhammad was meditating in the Cave of Hira. Begins by reading in God’s name.
Al-Qadr (The Power)
Night of Power has great spiritual power and value. The Quran descended during this special night.
Al-Bayyinah (The Clear Proof)
Those who believe and do good clearly follow the upright path. Disbelievers violate their covenant with God.
Az-Zalzalah (The Earthquake)
The Earthquake symbolizes the earth-shattering events of Judgment Day. All will be judged fairly based on deeds.
Al-Adiyat (The Courser)
By the racers panting violently in battle. Mankind is ungrateful to God who provided so many blessings and comforts.
Al-Qaria (The Calamity)
The calamity refers to the Judgement Day. Close friends will turn against one another then, except the righteous.
At-Takathur (Rivalry in Worldly Increase)
Warns against greed for materialism and rivalry for status. Pursue eternal Paradise instead.
Al-Asr (The Declining Day)
All people will be at a loss except those who believe, do good, and encourage truth and patience.
Al-Humazah (The Traducer)
Warns those who slander and spread rumors to gain status and wealth. They will face God’s punishment.
Al-Fil (The Elephant)
Recounts God’s protection of Mecca from Abraha’s army and the elephant they brought to destroy the Kaaba.
Quraysh (Quraysh)
As keepers of the Kaaba, the Quraysh tribe is urged to worship God and provide water and food to pilgrims.
Al-Ma’un (Small Kindnesses)
Criticizes those who pray but deny small kindnesses like giving to orphans. Such acts of worship are superficial.
Al-Kawthar (Abundance)
Whoever persecutes Muhammad will be cut off while Muhammad is given abundant goodness.
Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers)
There is no overlap between Muhammad’s path and that of the disbelievers. “To you your religion, and to me my religion.”
An-Nasr (Divine Support)
The Prophet has received divine support and victory. It is time to glorify God and seek forgiveness.
Al-Masad (Palm Fiber)
Condemns Abu Lahab who actively opposed Islam. His hands will be ruined and he will burn in Hellfire.
Al-Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Affirms the core belief in the absolute oneness and perfection of God.
Al-Falaq (The Dawn)
Seeks God’s protection from evil and witchcraft as the dawn begins to break.
An-Nas (Mankind)
Seeks God’s protection from the evil of whisperers who whisper evil into the hearts of men.
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