Explore Surah Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread), Chapter 5 of the Holy Quran, with full text, introduction, and insightful commentary. Discover its themes of guidance, justice, and faith.
Surah 5: Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread)
Introduction
Surah Al-Ma’idah is the 5th chapter of the Holy Qur’an and consists of 120 verses (āyāt). It was revealed in Madinah and is one of the last surahs to be revealed in its entirety, making it particularly significant in terms of legal rulings, ethical guidance, and social conduct. The name “Al-Mā’idah”—meaning “The Table Spread”—comes from verse 112, where the disciples of Prophet Jesus (ʿĪsā, peace be upon him) ask Allah to send down a table spread with food from heaven as a sign of divine truth.
This surah is rich in themes of law, covenant, justice, religious integrity, and interfaith ethics. It outlines final dietary laws, regulations on hunting and food preparation, rules for oaths, punishments for crimes, and guidance for dealing with people of other faiths, particularly Jews and Christians. It emphasizes the responsibility of the Muslim ummah (community) to uphold divine commands with seriousness and humility.
A central message in Surah Al-Mā’idah is the importance of fulfilling covenants, both with Allah and with fellow human beings. It reminds believers to be just, even toward those who may oppose or hate them. This Surah also stresses the necessity of obedience to Allah’s Messenger, reinforcing that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to confirm previous scriptures and bring the final message in truth.
It addresses inter-religious relations in a respectful but firm tone, acknowledging the virtues found in some followers of earlier scriptures while also correcting theological deviations, such as the deification of Jesus and Mary. The surah closes with a powerful dialogue between Allah and Jesus (peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment, rejecting any claim of divinity and affirming tawḥīd—the oneness of God.
Surah Al-Mā’idah is often referred to as a “Surah of Command and Completion” because many of its verses were revealed near the end of the Prophet’s life and because it includes the verse in which Allah declares:“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your way of life.”
(Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:3)
This verse marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history, symbolizing the finalization of the divine legal and moral code for humanity. 0 0 0
Surah 5: Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. O you who believe! Fulfill your contracts and obligations. Lawful to you are the animals of grazing livestock, except those already made unlawful to you. But do not violate the sanctity of the hunting animals while you are in the state of pilgrimage (ihram). Indeed, Allah commands what He wills.
2. O you who believe! Do not violate the symbols of Allah, or the sacred month, or the animals brought for sacrifice, or the garlands marking them, or the pilgrims going to the Sacred House seeking the bounty and pleasure of their Lord. But when you come out of ihram, you may hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people who once prevented you from the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgress. Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is severe in punishment.
3. Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and animals killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by falling, or by being gored, and those partly eaten by wild beasts—unless you are able to slaughter it before death—and those sacrificed on stone altars. Also prohibited is to divide meat with arrows or lots—this is sinful. Today, those who disbelieve have given up all hope of your religion; so do not fear them, but fear Me. Today I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your way of life. But if one is forced by extreme hunger with no inclination to sin—then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
4. They ask you what is lawful for them. Say, “Lawful for you are all good and pure things. And what you have trained of hunting animals, which you train as Allah has taught you—so eat what they catch for you and mention Allah’s name over it—and fear Allah. Surely, Allah is swift in taking account.”
5. This day [all] good and pure foods have been made lawful for you. The food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. Lawful in marriage are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture before you—when you give them their due dowries, desiring chastity and not lewdness or taking them as lovers. And whoever denies the faith—his deeds are in vain, and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.
6. O you who believe! When you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe over your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves fully. But if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you comes from relieving himself or has had intimate relations and you find no water—then perform dry ablution (tayammum) with clean earth and wipe your faces and hands. Allah does not wish to make things difficult for you, but He wants to purify you and complete His favor upon you so that you may be grateful.
7. And remember Allah’s favor upon you and the covenant He made with you when you said, “We hear and obey.” And fear Allah. Surely, Allah knows what is in the hearts.
8. O you who believe! Be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just—that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is well aware of what you do.
9. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds [that] they will have forgiveness and a great reward.
10. But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs—they are the companions of Hell.
11. O you who believe! Remember Allah’s favor upon you when some people intended to harm you, and He restrained their hands from you. So fear Allah. And in Allah let the believers put their trust.
12. Indeed, Allah took a covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve leaders among them. And Allah said, “I am with you. If you establish prayer, give zakah, believe in My messengers, support them, and lend Allah a good loan, I will surely forgive your sins and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow. But whoever of you disbelieves after that has truly strayed from the straight path.”
13. But because of their breaking the covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort the words from their proper places and have forgotten a portion of what they were reminded of. You will always find betrayal from most of them—except a few. So pardon them and overlook—for indeed, Allah loves those who do good.
14. And from those who say, “We are Christians,” We took their covenant, but they too forgot a portion of what they were reminded of. So We caused enmity and hatred among them until the Day of Resurrection. And Allah will inform them of what they used to do.
15. O People of the Scripture! There has come to you Our Messenger revealing much of what you used to hide of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.
16. Through it, Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the paths of peace, and He brings them out of darkness into light by His permission, and He guides them to a straight path.
17. They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary.” Say, “Then who could prevent Allah if He intended to destroy the Messiah, the son of Mary, or his mother, or everyone on the earth?” To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and everything between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah has power over everything.
18. The Jews and the Christians say, “We are the children of Allah and His beloved.” Say, “Then why does He punish you for your sins? Rather, you are human beings from among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills and He punishes whom He wills, and to Allah is the destiny of all.”
19. O People of the Scripture! There has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you the matter after a period of messengers, lest you say, “There came not to us any bringer of good tidings or a warner.” But there has come to you a bringer of good tidings and a warner, and Allah is over everything competent.
20. And [recall] when Moses said to his people, “O my people, remember the favor of Allah upon you when He appointed among you prophets and made you kings and gave you what He had not given anyone among the worlds.
21. O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you and do not turn back and become losers.”
22. They said, “O Moses, indeed in it is a people of tyrannical strength, and indeed we will never enter it until they leave it. But if they leave it, then we will enter.”
23. Two men from those who feared [to displease] Allah, whom Allah had blessed, said, “Enter upon them through the gate, for when you enter it, you will be victorious. And rely upon Allah if you are believers.”
24. They said, “O Moses, indeed we will not enter it ever as long as they are in it. So go, you and your Lord, and fight. Indeed, we are sitting right here.”
25.He said, “My Lord, indeed I do not possess [the power of] except myself and my brother, so part us from the defiantly disobedient people.”
26. Allah said, “Then indeed, it is forbidden to them for forty years. They will wander throughout the land. So do not grieve over the defiantly disobedient people.”
27. And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice to Allah, and it was accepted from one of them but not from the other. One said, “Indeed, I will kill you.” The other replied, “Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous.”
28. “If you should raise your hand toward me to kill me, I shall not raise my hand toward you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
29. “Indeed, I want you to bear the sin of me and your sin and then you will be among the companions of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the wrongdoers.”
30. And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, and he killed him, and became among the losers.
31. Then Allah sent a crow searching the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said, “Woe to me! Am I not even able to be like this crow and hide the disgrace of my brother?” And he became of the regretful.
32. Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And Our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs, then indeed many of them, even after that, are defiantly disobedient.
33. The penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world, and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment.
34. Except for those who return [repenting] before you apprehend them. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
35. O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of approach] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.
36. Indeed, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is on the earth, would offer it to ransom for themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection. But it will appear to them from Allah that which they had not anticipated.
37. And there will appear to them from Allah that which they had not expected. And they will be struck with a punishment from which they cannot escape.
38. And their deeds will be lost, and they will have no helpers.
39. Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit wrongdoings, Allah will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path.
40. Except the path of Hell, they will abide therein forever, and that is easy for Allah.
41. O you who have believed, do not take those who take your religion in ridicule or sport among those who were given the Scripture before you, and if you are believers, fear Allah.
42. And when you call to prayer, they take it in ridicule and sport. That is because they are a people who do not understand.
43. Say, “O People of the Scripture, do you resent us except for the fact that we have believed in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed before, and that most of you are defiantly disobedient?”
44. Say, “Shall I inform you of something worse than that as a penalty from Allah? It is those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and swine and who worshiped Taghut (false god). Those are worse in position and far more astray from the sound way.”
45. And when they come to you to judge between them, you say, “I will not judge you. But Allah’s judgment is final.”
46. Say, “O Allah, judge between us and them with justice and truth.”
47. And let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed in it. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed—then it is they who are the defiantly disobedient.
48. And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a guardian over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires, turning away from the truth that has come to you. For each of you, We have made a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He could have made you one nation, but He tests you in what He has given you. So race toward all that is good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.
49. And judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires, and beware of them lest they tempt you away from some of what Allah has revealed to you. But if they turn away—then know that Allah only intends to afflict them for some of their sins. And indeed, many among the people are defiantly disobedient.
50. Then is it the judgment of ignorance they desire? But who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith]?
51. O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you—then indeed, he is one of them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
52. So you see those in whose hearts is disease hastening to them, saying, “We fear that a misfortune may strike us.” But perhaps Allah will bring conquest or a command from Him, and they will become regretful over what they had been concealing in themselves.
53. And the believers will say, “Are these the ones who swore by Allah their strongest oaths that they were with you?” Their deeds have become worthless, and they have become losers.
54. O you who believe! Whoever among you turns back from his religion—then Allah will bring forth a people He loves and who love Him: humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers, striving in the cause of Allah, and not fearing the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah; He gives it to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing, all-Knowing.
55. Your ally is none but Allah—and His Messenger and those who believe—those who establish prayer and give zakah while they bow [in worship].
56. And whoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and the believers as allies—then the party of Allah will be the victorious.
57. O you who believe! Do not take as allies those who take your religion in mockery and fun—from among those who were given the Scripture before you or the disbelievers—and fear Allah if you are truly believers.
58. And when you call to prayer, they take it in ridicule and amusement. That is because they are a people who do not understand.
59. Say, “O People of the Scripture, do you resent us only because we believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed before, and because most of you are defiantly disobedient?”
60. Say, “Shall I inform you of what is worse than that as a penalty from Allah? It is those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and swine and worshippers of false gods. They are worse in position and farther astray from the right way.”
61. When they come to you, they say, “We believe.” But they have entered with disbelief and they have left with it. And Allah knows best what they were hiding.
62. And you see many of them hastening to sin and aggression and devouring what is unlawful. How wretched is what they have been doing!
63. Why do the rabbis and religious scholars not forbid them from saying what is sinful and from consuming what is unlawful? Evil indeed is what they have been doing.
64. The Jews say, “The hand of Allah is chained.” May their hands be chained, and cursed be what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends as He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in rebellion and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it. They strive throughout the land to cause corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters.
65. If only the People of the Book had believed and been mindful of Allah, We would have removed from them their misdeeds and admitted them to gardens of bliss.
66. If they had upheld the Torah and the Gospel and what was revealed to them from their Lord, they would have consumed provision from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them are a moderate group, but many of them—evil indeed is what they do.
67. O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.
68. Say, “O People of the Scripture, you are on nothing until you uphold the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” And what has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in rebellion and disbelief, so do not grieve over the disbelieving people.
69. Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews or Sabeans or Christians—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteousness—there will be no fear upon them, nor will they grieve.
70. We certainly took a covenant from the Children of Israel and sent to them messengers. But whenever a messenger came to them with what their souls did not desire, some of them they denied, and some of them they killed.
71. And they thought there would be no trial, so they became blind and deaf. Then Allah turned to them in mercy, but again many of them became blind and deaf. And Allah is seeing of what they do.
72. They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary,” while the Messiah said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, whoever associates others with Allah—Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are no helpers for the wrongdoers.
73. They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the third of three.” There is no god but One God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, a painful punishment will surely befall the disbelievers among them.
74. So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
75. The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. Messengers passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both used to eat food. See how We make the signs clear to them; then see how they are deluded.
76. Say, “Do you worship besides Allah that which holds for you no power of harm or benefit, while it is Allah who is the Hearing, the Knowing?”
77. Say, “O People of the Scripture, do not go to extremes in your religion beyond the truth, and do not follow the inclinations of a people who went astray before and led many astray and strayed from the straight path.”
78. Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David and of Jesus, the son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and were habitually transgressing.
79. They used not to forbid one another from wrongdoing. Evil indeed was what they used to do.
80. You see many of them taking the disbelievers as allies. How wretched is what they have sent ahead for themselves—that Allah has become angry with them, and in punishment they will remain forever.
81. And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and in what was revealed to him, they would not have taken them as allies; but many of them are defiantly disobedient.
82. You will surely find that the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers are the Jews and those who associate others with Allah; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.
83. And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognize of the truth. They say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses.”
84. “And why should we not believe in Allah and what has come to us of the truth? And we hope our Lord will admit us with the righteous people.”
85. So Allah rewarded them for what they said—with gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the reward of the doers of good.
86. But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs—they are the companions of Hell.
87. O you who believe! Do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you, and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.
88. And eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And fear Allah, in whom you are believers.
89. Allah will not call you to account for your unintentional oaths, but He will call you to account for breaking deliberate oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of what you feed your own families, or clothing them, or freeing a slave. But whoever cannot find [means]—then a fast of three days. That is the expiation for your oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus Allah makes clear to you His verses so that you may be grateful.
90. O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are abominations from the work of Satan. So avoid them that you may be successful.
91. Satan only wants to cause between you enmity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not stop?
92. And obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware. But if you turn away—then know that upon Our Messenger is only the clear delivery [of the message].
93. There is no blame upon those who believe and do righteous deeds for what they ate [in the past] if they now fear Allah, believe and do righteous deeds, and again fear Allah and believe, and then fear Allah and do good. And Allah loves the doers of good.
94. O you who believe! Allah will surely test you with something of the game that your hands and spears can reach, so that Allah may make evident those who fear Him unseen. So whoever transgresses after that—for him is a painful punishment.
95. O you who believe! Do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram (pilgimage). And whoever among you kills it intentionally—the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals, judged by two just men among you, as an offering [to Allah] delivered to the Ka‘bah, or an expiation: feeding the poor or an equivalent fast, so that he may taste the consequence of his deed. Allah has pardoned what is past, but whoever returns [to violation]—Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is Mighty and capable of retribution.
96. Lawful to you is game (preyed/hunted beings) from the sea and its food as provision for you and for travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of ihram. And fear Allah to whom you will be gathered.
97. Allah has made the Ka‘bah—the Sacred House—standing for mankind, and [also] the sacred months, the sacrificial animals, and the garlands. That is so you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth and that Allah is Knowing of all things.
98. Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
99. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey [the message], and Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal.
100. Say, “The evil and the good are not equal, even though the abundance of evil may please you.” So fear Allah, O people of understanding, that you may be successful.
101. O you who believe! Do not ask about things which, if they were revealed to you, would trouble you. But if you ask about them while the Qur’an is being revealed, they will be made clear to you. Allah has pardoned that, and Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.
102. A people before you asked such questions and then became disbelievers in them.
103. Allah has not appointed [such innovations as] bahirah or sa’ibah or wasilah or ham, but those who disbelieve invent falsehood about Allah, and most of them do not use reason.
Note: ‘Bahira’ refers to s she-camel whose milk was spared for idols and no one was allowed to milk her. ‘Sa’ibah’ refers to a she-camel set free in the name of a false god or idol. ‘Wasilah’ refers to a female camel or sheep that gave birth to twin offspring (a male and a female), and the male was not slaughtered.
104. And when it is said to them, “Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,” they say, “Enough for us is that which we found our forefathers upon.” Even though their forefathers knew nothing and were not guided?
105. O you who believe! Upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return altogether, then He will inform you of what you used to do.
106. O you who believe! Let there be witnesses between you when death approaches one of you—at the time of bequest—two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the calamity of death strikes you. Detain them after the prayer and let them swear by Allah: “We will not sell our testimony for any price, even if the person is a relative. And we will not hide the testimony of Allah. Indeed, if we did, we would be among the sinners.”
107. But if it is found that those two were guilty of sin, then let two others stand in their place from among those who have the lawful right, and let them swear by Allah: “Our testimony is truer than their testimony, and we have not transgressed. Otherwise, we would be among the wrongdoers.”
108. That is more likely to ensure that they give testimony properly or fear that their oaths will be refuted by others. So fear Allah and listen. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.
109. On the Day when Allah will gather the messengers and say, “What response did you receive?” They will say, “We have no knowledge. Indeed, it is You who are the Knower of the unseen.”
110. [The Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother—when I supported you with the Holy Spirit, and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you the Scripture and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you made from clay a bird by My permission, and you breathed into it and it became a bird by My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper by My permission; and when you brought forth the dead by My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, ‘This is nothing but obvious magic.’”
111. “And [remember] when I inspired the disciples, ‘Believe in Me and in My Messenger.’ They said, ‘We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims.’”
112. [And remember] when the disciples said, “O Jesus, son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table spread with food from the heaven?” [Jesus] said, “Fear Allah, if you are indeed believers.”
113. They said, “We wish to eat from it and to reassure our hearts and to know that you have been truthful to us and to be among its witnesses.”
114. Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival—for the first of us and the last of us—and a sign from You. And provide for us, for You are the best of providers.”
115. Allah said, “Indeed, I will send it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterward from among you—then indeed I will punish him with a punishment the like of which I have never inflicted upon anyone among the worlds.”
116. And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah?’” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say what I had no right to. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen.”
117. “I did not say to them except what You commanded me—to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them while I was among them. But when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are, over all things, Witness.”
118. “If You should punish them—indeed they are Your servants. But if You forgive them—indeed it is You who is the Almighty, the Wise.”
119. Allah will say, “This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness. For them are gardens beneath which rivers flow—wherein they will remain forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is the great success.”
120. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He is over all things capable. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-Mā’idah stands as one of the most comprehensive and multifaceted chapters of the Qur’an. Revealed during the later period of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life in Madinah, it represents a culmination of divine legislation and moral instruction. What makes this Surah particularly significant is its combination of legal detail, interfaith engagement, and ethical warning, all woven into a framework of divine authority and human responsibility.
A recurring theme is the concept of covenant—between Allah and the previous communities, and between Allah and the Muslim ummah. The failure of past nations to uphold their covenants is recounted not as mere history, but as a lesson: the Muslim community is now entrusted with this divine responsibility, and they are expected to honor it with justice, sincerity, and discipline.
The Surah also illustrates how Islam interacts with prior revelations. It confirms the truth found in the Torah and the Gospel while asserting the finality and authority of the Qur’an. Yet, this affirmation is paired with correction: theological distortions, such as the deification of Jesus and Mary, are firmly rejected. However, the tone is not one of hostility; rather, the Qur’an acknowledges the humility and sincerity of some Christians, highlighting that spiritual truth is not confined to labels, but to the sincerity of belief and righteousness of action.
Another notable aspect is the emphasis on justice—even with enemies. The instruction to “stand firm in justice” and “do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just” (5:8) reflects a level of moral maturity that is universal and timeless. This ethic places Islam among the world’s great traditions of social justice and human dignity.
Finally, the Surah’s conclusion serves as both a reminder and a warning: belief is not inherited—it must be lived. The ultimate success lies not in religious labels or rituals, but in sincere faith, righteous deeds, and a constant awareness of the Day of Judgment. 0 0 0
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Surah Al-Mā’idah: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-Mā’idah
Q1. What is Surah Al-Mā’idah about?
Surah Al-Mā’idah is the fifth chapter of the Quran, focusing on laws of food, oaths, contracts, justice, and the duties of Muslims in maintaining faith and community.
Q2. Why is Surah Al-Mā’idah called “The Table Spread”?
Surah Al-Mā’idah is named after the story of the disciples of Jesus asking for a heavenly table spread with food, symbolizing divine blessings and responsibility.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah Al-Mā’idah?
Surah Al-Mā’idah contains 120 verses revealed in Medina, making it one of the longer chapters of the Quran.
Q4. What is the main theme of Surah Al-Mā’idah?
The main theme of Surah Al-Mā’idah is the importance of obeying divine laws, upholding justice, fulfilling promises, and respecting religious obligations.
Q5. What does Surah Al-Mā’idah teach about justice?
Surah Al-Mā’idah emphasizes that justice should be maintained even if it is against one’s own self, relatives, or community, reflecting fairness as a core Islamic principle.
Q6. What role does Surah Al-Mā’idah play in interfaith understanding?
Surah Al-Mā’idah highlights the shared values between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, encouraging respect and dialogue while affirming Islamic faith.
Q7. When was Surah Al-Mā’idah revealed?
Surah Al-Mā’idah was revealed in Medina after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, during the later period of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission.
Q8. What lesson can Muslims learn from Surah Al-Mā’idah today?
Muslims can learn from Surah Al-Mā’idah the importance of honesty, fulfilling agreements, respecting lawful and unlawful boundaries, and striving for unity in faith. 0 0 0
Al-Mā’idah: The Table of Guidance and Justice
Al-Mā’idah shines as a guiding flame,
A chapter of truth, by its noble name.
Al-Mā’idah calls the faithful to stand,
With justice and mercy across the land.
The story begins with oaths we keep,
Al-Mā’idah warns: no promise cheap.
Contracts are sacred, vows must stay,
Al-Mā’idah lights the righteous way.
Food that is pure, Al-Mā’idah explains,
Blessings of Allah in all that remains.
What is forbidden, Al-Mā’idah shows,
The wisdom of balance in what one knows.
Disciples once prayed for a heavenly sign,
Al-Mā’idah recalls that moment divine.
A table descended with grace untold,
Al-Mā’idah’s lesson in faith made bold.
Justice unbending, Al-Mā’idah commands,
Fairness upheld in all of our hands.
Even against self, kith, or kin,
Al-Mā’idah calls for truth within.
Al-Mā’idah bridges communities near,
Christians and Jews find messages clear.
Respect for prophets, respect for creed,
Al-Mā’idah teaches the way to lead.
Believers are warned in Al-Mā’idah’s word,
To follow the light, not voices absurd.
Hold fast together, no breaking apart,
Al-Mā’idah speaks to every heart.
Al-Mā’idah tells of the weak and strong,
That justice belongs to all, not wrong.
Oaths to Allah must never be betrayed,
Al-Mā’idah guides so we’re not swayed.
Patience and trust in Al-Mā’idah remain,
A call to resist temptation’s chain.
When trials approach, when doubts arise,
Al-Mā’idah lifts the veils from eyes.
Faith is protected in Al-Mā’idah’s song,
The faithful are urged to walk along.
No path of pride, no crooked way,
Al-Mā’idah points to the brightest day.
Al-Mā’idah calls for brotherhood true,
For peace among nations, for me and you.
Al-Mā’idah shows that kindness wins,
That mercy erases a thousand sins.
O seeker of truth, in Al-Mā’idah you’ll find,
The balance of body, soul, and mind.
Al-Mā’idah speaks with power and grace,
A timeless light for the human race.
So cherish the wisdom Al-Mā’idah gave,
A chapter of life, the souls it saves.
Al-Mā’idah echoes till end of time,
Its verses eternal, its message sublime. 0 0 0
