As part of studying the revelation of the Quran, the Muslim scholars  have categorised the Soorahs (chapters) of the Quran and their verses according to the time or era of their revelation. This is the subject that came to be known as the Makkan and Madeenan division, or revelation, of the Quran. This division is logical since the Prophet, Muhammad  received revelation over twenty-three (23) years: thirteen (13) of them he  spent in Makkah and ten (10) in Madeenah.

The correct and well-established definition of Makkan and Madeenan Quran is the one in which the Chapters and verses that were revealed prior to the Hijrah or immigration of Prophet Muhammad  from the city of Makkah to the city of Madeenah are known as 'Makkan'. All other Chapters and verses that were revealed after this time are termed 'Madeenan'.

The location of their revelation is not necessarily relevant to this classification, such that there may be certain revelations that were revealed in Makkah, but are classified as Madeenan because of the period of their revelation. A good example of this is the Chapter of An-Nasr (Divine Support), number 110, which was revealed in Minaa (outskirts of Makkah) yet it is classified as a Madeenan Chapter because it was revealed while the Prophet  was living in Madeenah  just a few months before he  passed away.
 

General disobedience of man, and his punishment and reward are frequent themes in the Makkan verses.

The creation and development of man in the mother's womb is taken to be a wondrous thing.

Madeenan parts, on the other hand, are filled with laws, both universal as well as worldly (marriage, divorce, heritage, blood-money, other transactions, etc). Special emphasis is laid on justice and fairness. Social interaction and ethical rules have been elaborated time and time again. Politics, worship and prayers are also frequently discussed.