The Quran contains 114 surahs, revealed over 23 years, covering law, narrative, theology, and eschatology. In poetry, surahs provide structure, allusion, and spiritual depth. Poets reference famous surahs (e.g., Al-Fatihah as the “essence,” Yasin as the “heart”) to evoke specific moods—mercy, warning, or cosmic awe. The surah’s form also influences poetic composition, with refrains and cadences mirroring Quranic rhythms.

A Surah is a chapter of the Quran. There are 114 surahs of varying length, each dealing with multiple themes. Each surah (except the ninth) begins with the Basmala: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." Surahs are classified as Meccan (revealed before the Hijra, focusing on theology and morality) or Medinan (revealed after, focusing on law and community). For poets, the structure, rhythm, and powerful language of the surahs have inspired centuries of Islamic calligraphy, poetry, and art.