GRADE 8 islamic religious education Qur’an – Divisions of the Qur’an Notes
Qur’an — Divisions of the Qur’an
Specific Learning Outcomes (By the end of this sub‑strand the learner should be able to):
- Explain the divisions of the Qur’an for easy referencing.
- Identify the divisions of the Qur’an to facilitate reading.
- Describe characteristics of Makkan and Madinan surahs to ease learning.
- Appreciate the divisions of the Qur’an for ease of recitation.
- Demonstrate understanding of the divisions of the Qur’an.
Main divisions — quick guide
- Surah (chapter) — 114 surahs. Each surah is made of ayahs (verses).
- Ayah (verse) — about 6,236 verses in the standard Madinah Mushaf (used for counting and memorizing).
- Juz’ (part) — 30 equal parts. Used to finish the Qur’an in 30 days (one juz’ per day in Ramadan).
- Hizb — 60 parts. Each juz’ = 2 hizbs (useful for smaller daily portions).
- Rub‘ al‑Hizb (quarter) — 240 quarter‑parts (4 quarters per hizb). Many Qur’ans mark these with symbols.
- Ruku‘ — about 558 sections (marks places of related sentences/topics to ease recitation and tafsir).
- Manzil — 7 sections (useful for finishing the Qur’an in a week).
How these divisions help you (age 13, in Kenya)
- Easy reference: teachers and imams often say “read juz’ 15” or “go to juz’ 30” — knowing juz’/hizb helps you find parts quickly. - Learning plan: finish one juz’ in Ramadan, or one manzil each week. - Recitation & memorization: ruku‘ mark helps practise a set of related verses. - Group reading: in madrasa or at the mosque, divisions make it simple to share reading tasks.
Makkan vs Madinan surahs — easy characteristics
Makkan Surahs
- Usually revealed before the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah).
- Shorter surahs and verses, powerful rhythm — easy for memorizing.
- Main themes: Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), Prophethood, Hereafter, stories of earlier peoples.
- Addressed to general humanity and call to belief.
- Examples: Al‑Ikhlâs (112), Al‑Falaq (113), An‑Nâs (114).
Madinan Surahs
- Revealed after Hijrah (in Madinah).
- Longer surahs with many verses and often legal rulings.
- Main themes: community rules, prayer, zakat, marriage, battle, social law.
- Addressed more to the Muslim community (ummah) with practical guidance.
- Examples: Al‑Baqarah (2), An‑Nisâ’ (4), Al‑Ma’idah (5).
Simple visual: 30 Juz’ grid (useful for a reading plan)
Colour the boxes as you finish each juz’ — good for Ramadan or a month challenge.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Suggested learning experiences (activities for age 13, Kenya)
- Teacher demonstration: Show a physical Qur’an (Mushaf) and point out where juz’, hizb, ruku‘ and rub‘ marks are. Let pupils locate a given juz’ or surah.
- Pair activity: Give pupils slips with names (e.g., “Juz’ 15”, “Ruku‘ 45”, “Surah Al‑Ikhlâs”). Pupils find and show the location in the Mushaf or on a screened PDF.
- One‑month reading plan: Make a simple chart (use the 30 boxes above). Each pupil colours one box per day after reciting a juz’. Useful during Ramadan or a school month.
- Makkan vs Madinan sorting: Provide short descriptions/verses of 8 surahs; pupils sort them into Makkan or Madinan groups with reason (theme or wording).
- Madrasa/mosque visit: Ask the imam to explain how ruku‘ are used in khutbahs and recitation; pupils note examples.
- Memory & recitation task: Memorise and recite one short Makkan surah (e.g., Al‑Ikhlâs) and explain why it is Makkan.
Assessment / Demonstration of learning
Use any of these short tasks to check understanding:
- Verbal: Explain what a juz’ and a ruku‘ are and how each helps recitation.
- Practical: Find Juz’ 18 (or any chosen part) in the Qur’an and read a set of verses from it.
- Written: List differences between Makkan and Madinan surahs and give one example of each.
- Performance: Recite a short Makkan surah and say why it is easier to memorise (mention rhythm, short length).