Why is a group of verses of the Qur'an called a "surah"? And what is the origin of the word "surah"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Oct 24, 2026
Scholars have differed in their expressions regarding the meaning and etymology of the word "." Among its meanings are: clarity and distinctness, elevation and status, honor, completeness and perfection, and a portion of the Qur'an. The cumulative meaning is that a surah is a collection of verses that are distinct and preserved, elevating its reciter to ranks of honor. Naming a surah is a divinely ordained, توقيفية (tawqifiyyah) designation, and the surahs have been known in their measures since the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/4481
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 4481
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy