Surah (Chapter)
The chapters of the Qur'an made up of ayahs are called surahs. The total number of surahs is 114. Different subjects can be included in a surah. However, there are also main themes that give the surahs their identity.
The word surah means a part or floor of the house. If we liken the Qur'an to one of the most beautiful houses built by the revelation, we can accept the surahs as its carefully decorated floors. Another meaning of the surah is “supreme degree”. Learning and practicing each surah ensures a person to rise in degree in the sight of Allah (swt).
The word surah also means glory, honor. One of the most fundamental goals of the Qur'an is to enable people to live life with dignity in this world and to raise their degree in the eternal realm. Understanding and practicing the surahs is a way to live life with dignity and get a higher degree and glorification in the Hereafter.
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