If one were to take a closer look at the Holy Quran’s verses, differences between Makkan and Medinan chapters would seem distinct.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MAKKAN CHAPTERS:

·       Responds to earlier situations when Muhammad (p.b.u.h) is under threat and invites             people to the new message of Islam
·       Major concerns with eschatology and time (when the end will draw near and its ending         time). Verses draw on the apocalyptic images
·       Engaged language
·       The use of oaths: e.g. ‘By the star..’
·       Increased combative and antagonistic language/mocking
·       Single/ disjointed letter e.g.: alif-laam-meem
·       Rhetorical questions
·       Promise and a threat (heaven and hell)
·       Sets apart righteous from the wicked
·       Shorter narrative of story of prophet and specific messages

CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDINAN CHAPTERS:

·       Rules, law and regulations introduced e.g. family issues.
·       Community building was emphasized
·       Legal matters were addressed
·       Longer narrations linked to believers, Jews and Christians
·       Theological expansion of understanding of God beyond apocalyptics
·       Verses return to Makkan themes, builds and adds to them