<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The Quran is divided into surahs (chapters) and further divided into ayat (verses). The real translation of the word, ayat, is actually "a sign". For a preliminary discussion about the chronological order of chapters see page Surah . </P> <P> Each surah, except for At - Tawba is preceded by the phrase bismi - llāhi r - raḥmāni r - raḥīm ("In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"), also known as the Basmala. 29 surahs are preceded by Muqatta'at (lit . abbreviated or shortened), unique letter combinations whose meanings remain unclear . </P>

What is the difference between ayat and surah