The Last Meccan Surah

The scholarly community has expressed varied opinions regarding the last surah revealed in Mecca. According to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the final surah is Al-Ankabut (The Spider), while Al-Dhahak and Ata have referenced Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers). Mujahid asserts that it is Surah Al-Mutaffifin (Defrauding). This classification reflects the sequence of surahs revealed in Mecca, with established accounts corroborating this. Some scholars have stated that the last verse received by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mecca was from Surah Al-Ankabut, followed by Surah Al-Mutaffifin.

It has been noted by certain scholars that Surah Al-Ankabut was revealed prior to Surah Al-Mutaffifin, although not in its entirety initially. This means that part of Surah Al-Ankabut was revealed first, followed by the complete revelation of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which was fully completed later, implying that the last complete surah revealed in Mecca is Al-Mutaffifin, while part of Surah Al-Ankabut represents the latest verses revealed from the Quran.

Number of Meccan Surahs

The total number of Meccan surahs, which are unanimously accepted as such, stands at eighty-two. Notable examples include Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), Surah Quraysh, Surah Al-A’la (The Most High), Surah Hud, Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion), Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey), among others.

Characteristics of Meccan Surahs

Meccan surahs are distinguished by several notable features, including:

They emphasize the fundamental tenets of faith, such as belief in Allah, the Day of Judgment, and the concepts of resurrection and accountability, while also affirming faith in the messengers and angels. They present conclusive evidence supporting these beliefs from mental, psychological, and cosmic dimensions, aligning with the nature of the lives of polytheists who reject these concepts, particularly the resurrection and the hereafter.
They argue against polytheism and disprove the validity of idol worship, illustrating that these idols neither harm nor benefit. Additionally, they encourage the use of reason and the rejection of blind adherence to traditions without knowledge, as highlighted in the verse: “And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our forefathers doing.’ Even if their forefathers knew nothing, nor were they guided?” This establishes the Quran as an indisputable truth.
They address the core principles of general law, morals, and unchanging virtues, emphasizing the five essential values, while also urging regular prayers, charitable giving, maintaining family ties, and prohibiting murder, infanticide, and unjust acquisition of others’ wealth.
The narrative of prophets and their communities serves as a lesson and reminder of the consequences faced by disbelievers. These stories provide comfort and reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, encouraging perseverance amid adversity, and affirming the unity of prophetic messages.
Most Meccan surahs and verses tend to be shorter, suiting the eloquence and rhetorical skills of the Meccans, presenting a challenge and a form of miraculous achievement for them.
These surahs frequently utilize rhetorical devices, reaffirmation techniques, and strategies to entrench meanings, such as oaths, analogies, and the repetition of certain verses and phrases. They often invoke vivid imagery, particularly regarding the scenes of the Day of Judgment, characterized by strong expressions and harmony in their verses.

Importance of Understanding Meccan and Medinite Surahs

There are numerous benefits associated with distinguishing between the Meccan and Medinite surahs in the Quran, including:

Understanding the concepts of abrogation and preservation, as Medinite verses typically follow Meccan verses.
Gaining insights into legislative history, wisdom, and the divine methodology of gradual implementation of certain rulings in the Quran.
Exploring the unique rhetorical characteristics of both Meccan and Medinite texts.
Utilizing this distinction in Quranic interpretation, as the place of revelation is crucial for comprehending the context and meaning of verses, alongside the study of the prophetic biography through Quranic verses.
Gaining knowledge of various methods of advocacy and their applications.
Enhancing faith in the Quran and its preservation from distortion and alteration over time.