Surah al-Ma’idah is
the fifth Surah of the Glorious Qur’an. This Surah was revealed in Madinah and
it contains 120 Ayahs. It is
said to have been revealed during Hajjatul Widah or the last Hajj performed by
the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). As per “Manarij” any Surah is called Madani if it
was revealed after the Hijrat although it may not be revealed in Madinah. The
Surah discusses the important matter of Wilayat or the succession, the Trinity
of the Christianity, resurrection and the Day of Judgment, questioning of the
prophets about their people or Ummah, complying the commitment, collective
justice, testifying as a witness, sanctity of murdering any human being
unjustly including the first murder of the son of Hazrat Adam, Habeel by his brother
Qabeel, explanations of the halal and haram food, ablution or wuzu and
tayammum. The Surah was named Ma’idah because it contains the narrations of
special food requested by the companions of Hazrat Eisah to be delivered from
sky by All-Mighty Allah.
Ayah 1 to 10:
Allah directs the believers to stand by their contracts and obligations. Then
the details of Hajj are provided including a warning not to disrespect the “Signs”
of Allah. Believers are advised to “co-operate
with each other in righteousness and
piety, not in sin and hostility” and warned to fear Allah as He is Stern in
His retribution. The unlawful things are specified which includes blood, pork
and animals improperly slaughtered. The
Coronation of Imam Ali (a.s.) at Ghadeer-e-Khumm
which was followed by the famous Ayah: “On
this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you, and have chosen Islam as your religion!” Marriage
with the “People of the Book” is explained. Ablution or Wuzu has been described
in detail as: “Believers, when you are
about to pray, wash your face and your hands along with the elbows and Wipe
your Head and your Feet to the ankles.” Similarly, the allowability and
procedure of Tayammum is described. Allah does not want believers to suffer
hence He has provided facilities to His servants. The importance of bearing
witness has been emphasized and that hostility with any one may not lead us to be
unjust. Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward to the righteously
striving believers.
Ayah 11 to 20: Allah
reminds the believers about His favors and gifts to elevate and strengthen
their spirituality, instill thankfulness and stability to face adversity. In
Ayah 11, Allah reminds the believers when a group of people were about to harm
them and Allah failed their attempt. There are many interpretations about the
incidence. Someone relates it to the event of “Batan Nakhal” when Khalid bin
Walid along with the pagans planned to attack the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and
he became aware of the plot, shortened the prayer. Then Allah describes His
covenant with Children of Israel and how they had deviated from the covenant.
Further, He rejects the Christian belief that Hazrat Ei’sah was God, and says: “(Muhammad), ask them “Who can prevent
Allah from destroying the Messiah, his mother and all that is in the earth?” On
the same lines, He negates the notions of the Jews and Christians who call
themselves the “beloved sons” of Allah, and says: (Muhammad), ask them, “Why
does Allah punish you for your sins? In fact, you are mere human beings whom He
has created.”
Ayah 21 to 30: Hazrat
Musa (a.s.) first reminded his people to remember Allah’s favors on them and advises
them to enter the Promised Land, but as usual they had excuses saying that a
giant race of people was living there and they will not go unless those people
vacate the land. Two God-fearing men on whom Allah had bestowed favors told
them: “Proceed through the gates and when you enter the city you will be
victorious.” But the children of Israel continued their stubbornness and asked
Hazrat Musa (a.s.) to go with his Lord (Allah) in the land before they will
enter the land. Hazrat Musa said: “Lord, I can speak for myself and my brother
(Harun); keep us away from evil-doers.” Allah punished them by prohibiting them
from entering the land for forty years. Then Allah narrates the story of the
sons of Hazrat Adam (a.s.). Each one of them offered a sacrifice. Allah accepted
the sacrifice of Habeel and rejected that of Qabeel, who threatened to kill Habeel. Habeel said that Allah only
accepts the offerings of the pious ones. He said, “Even if you try to kill me, I certainly shall not try to kill you. I
have fear of Allah, the Lord of the creation. I would prefer you to take the
responsibility for both our sins and thus become a dweller of Hell; this is
what an unjust person deserves.”
Sources used:
Translations of Glorious Qur’an By:
S.V.Mir Ahmed Ali & Agha Pooya Yazdi
By:
Ayat Allah al-Uzma Nasir Mukaram Shirazi
By:
Muhammad Sarwar
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