surra: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Religious, Academic
Quick answer
What does “surra” mean?
A chapter or division of the Quran.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chapter or division of the Quran.
In Islamic context, refers to the 114 distinct sections that make up the Quran, each with a unique Arabic name and theme. In broader usage, it can refer to any significant division in a religious or formal text, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is a direct transliteration of the Arabic term سورة.
Connotations
Neutral and technical. It carries no additional regional connotations in English; its connotations are entirely tied to the religious context.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in academic, interfaith, or theological discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “surra” in a Sentence
the sura of [Name]Sura [Number]a sura entitled [Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “surra” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Al-Fatiha is the opening sura of the Quran.
- The study compared themes across different Meccan suras.
American English
- He was tasked with memorizing the final sura.
- The commentary provided historical context for each sura.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, Middle Eastern studies, and comparative literature. Example: 'The structural analysis focused on the Meccan suras.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation by non-Muslims. Muslims may use it in religious contexts.
Technical
Used precisely in Islamic scholarship, Quranic exegesis (tafsir), and discussions of Islamic jurisprudence where specific suras are cited as authority.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “surra”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈsjʊərə/ or /ˈʃʊərə/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'chapter' in a non-religious book.
- Misspelling as 'surah' (common variant, but 'sura' is standard in many academic contexts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, in religious practice. However, non-Muslim academics and writers discussing Islam will also use the term accurately.
A 'sura' is a chapter, while an 'ayah' (verse) is a smaller unit within a sura. A sura contains multiple ayahs.
There are 114 suras in the Quran, varying in length from 3 to 286 verses.
Yes, the standard English plural is 'suras'. The Arabic plural 'suwar' is also sometimes used in academic texts.
A chapter or division of the Quran.
Surra is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Surra: 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
Imagine a 'SOUnd RA' (Sura) system broadcasting the chapters of the Quran.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SURA IS A CONTAINER OF DIVINE REVELATION; A SURA IS A BUILDING BLOCK OF SACRED LAW.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sura' most accurately used?