How can Surat Ar-Rahman be Medinan when Ibn Mas'ud recited it aloud to the chieftains of Quraysh in the courtyard of the Kaaba before the Hijra?
Scholars differed on whether Surah Ar-Rahman is Makki or Madani, but the more preponderant view is that it is Makki. This is the opinion of the majority of the Companions and the Tabi'in. They presented as evidence that Ibn Mas'ud was the first to openly recite the Qur'an in Makkah after the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, by reciting Surah Ar-Rahman. Also, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recited it to theinhabitants of jinn at a date palm while they were disbelievers, and they believed in him. He recited it to his Companions, and they remained silent, so he said: "I recited it to the jinn on the Night of the Jinn, and their response was better than yours. Whenever I came to the verse 'Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?' they would say: 'We deny none of Your blessings, our Lord, to You be all praise.'"
Others, however, said that it is Madani, and this view was attributed to Ibn Mas'ud himself, even though the first opinion used his recitation of it in Makkah as evidence. This is an issue that has not been addressed.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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