surah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Religious/Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “surah” mean?
A chapter of the Qur'an, the central religious text of Islam.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chapter of the Qur'an, the central religious text of Islam.
The term exclusively refers to the 114 chapters that compose the Qur'an, varying in length and theme. Each surah is a distinct unit of revelation with a specific name and numbering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling remains 'surah' (also spelled 'sura' in some academic contexts).
Connotations
Identical religious and academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general English but standard within Islamic and religious studies contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “surah” in a Sentence
[specific determiner] + surah + [of the Qur'an][verb: recite/read/study] + [determiner] + surahVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Middle Eastern studies to discuss the structure, content, and exegesis of the Qur'an.
Everyday
Used primarily by Muslims in religious practice and discussion. Uncommon in general secular conversation.
Technical
Used in Islamic scholarship (tafsir, 'ulum al-Qur'an) with precise terminology related to revelation chronology (Meccan/Medinan), themes, and recitation rules (tajwid).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “surah”
- Using 'surah' for chapters of books other than the Qur'an (e.g., 'a surah of the Bible').
- Misspelling as 'sura' (acceptable variant) or 'suraha'.
- Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'first surah' vs. 'Surah Al-Fatihah').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 114 surahs in the Qur'an.
A surah is a chapter, while an ayah (plural: ayat) is a single verse within a surah.
While the term originates from and is primarily used in an Islamic context, it is also the standard academic term used by scholars of religion and Middle Eastern studies, regardless of their personal faith.
It is often not capitalised when used generically (e.g., 'a long surah'). It is typically capitalised when part of a proper name (e.g., 'Surah Ya-Sin'). Practices vary in publishing.
A chapter of the Qur'an, the central religious text of Islam.
Surah is usually religious/formal/academic in register.
Surah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʊərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʊrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SURe, AH!' – you are sure to say 'ah' in reverence when hearing a beautiful Qur'anic surah recited.
Conceptual Metaphor
A surah is a distinct vessel of divine communication; a building block of holy scripture.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'surah'?