Sura is a word that appears in the Quran and refers to a chapter or section. The spelling of this word may be confusing to English speakers due to the unique phonetic sounds involved. The IPA phonetic transcription for "sura" is /ˈsuːrə/. This means that the "s" makes an "s" sound, the "u" makes a long "oo" sound, the "r" makes a rolled "r" sound, and the "a" makes a schwa sound. Being aware of the IPA transcription can help improve the accuracy of spelling and pronunciation for this word.
Sura, also spelled as surah, is a term used in the Islamic religion to refer to a chapter in the holy book of Islam, the Quran. The Quran is divided into 114 suras, and each sura consists of varying numbers of verses or ayahs.
Sura serves as a fundamental organizational unit of the Quran and plays a significant role in its structure. The suras are arranged in a specific order, with the longer chapters appearing first and the shorter ones towards the end. Each sura is named based on a key word or theme discussed in that particular chapter. For example, the first sura is known as Al-Fatiha, which means "The Opening" and is considered the most essential chapter of the Quran.
Within each sura, the ayahs or verses address various aspects of religious beliefs, moral guidance, laws, stories from prophets, and other topics. The suras are seen as divine revelations believed to have been received by the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime. They are regarded as the literal words of Allah, as revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
Muslims hold the Quran in utmost reverence and believe that the suras contain guidance and teachings from Allah for leading a righteous life. The recitation of suras during the five daily prayers is an integral part of Muslim worship. The study and understanding of the suras are essential for Muslims seeking spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with Allah.
The word "sura" has its origins in Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic root word "s-w-r", which carries the meaning of "to form", "to shape", or "to outline". In the context of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, a sura refers to a chapter or section. Sura titles typically reflect the main theme or subject matter discussed within that particular segment of the Quran.