The Quran is divided into chapters (surah) and further divided into verses (ayat). The real translation of the word Ayat is actually "A Sign". For a preliminary discussion about the chronological order of chapters see page Surah. Each surah, except for the ninth 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().