Background Information of Surah Al-Ma’idah
Surah Al-Ma’idah, consisting of 120 verses, was revealed in Medina.
Central Theme: Discusses the corruption of original religious teachings by Jews and Christians and positions Islam as a correction and continuation of true monotheism.
The Surah addresses the misinterpretation and negligence of Christian and Jewish communities towards their scriptures and prophecies, including the foretold arrival of Prophet Muhammad by Jesus (pbuh).
Key Themes and Messages
Completion of Religion:
Divine Declaration: Verse 3 famously declares the completion and perfection of the religion for Muslims with the statement: “Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
Dietary Laws:
Islamic Dietary Regulations: Sets forth rules regarding permissible and impermissible foods, explicitly banning the consumption of animals slaughtered in the name of anyone other than Allah.
Rejection of Superstitions: Advocates for all human actions to seek Allah’s pleasure and comply with His laws, highlighting the importance of purity and goodness in consumption.
Interfaith Relations:
Laws Regarding ‘People of the Book’: Reveals laws that show a true Muslim should not harbor prejudice or hatred against people of other faiths, promoting justice, moral and physical purity, and sincerity.
Accountability of Jews and Christians: Discusses the broken promises and commitments by Jews and Christians towards Allah, which led to them being deprived of divine grace and guidance.
Prophetic Mission:
Role of Muhammad (pbuh): Described as the final messenger sent to guide humanity, bringing glad tidings and serving as a warning against corruption.
Justice and Moral Conduct:
Cain and Abel Narrative: Reflects on the story of the murder of Adam’s son, underscoring the treatment that the righteous may suffer at the hands of the envious but reminding that Allah will punish the unjust.
Call for Justice: Muslims are urged to practice true justice in alignment with Allah’s laws and avoid taking those with corrupt hearts as protectors.
Prohibitions and Social Conduct:
Bans on Irresponsible Behavior: Includes prohibitions against careless oaths, alcohol consumption, gambling, and all forms of superstition.
Sacredness of Mecca: Outlines prohibitions on hunting within the sacred precincts of Mecca and the killing of wildlife or destruction of vegetation in this area.
False Witness: Strongly condemned, reinforcing the value of truthfulness.
Miracles of Jesus (a.s.):
Divine Miracles: Lists the miracles performed by Jesus through the power of Allah and criticizes the misinterpretations by Christians who later deified Jesus, declaring him as God or the Son of God.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-5
Allah counts the foods that are made halal (permissible) for the believers.
The things to be considered while in Ihram (pilgrimage clothing) and the importance of fulfilling the agreements are mentioned.
Allah tells that He perfected the religion of Islam and chose Islam for His people.
Ruku 2: Verses 6-11
Allah tells us how we need to be cleaned before prayer.
He tells us that we should not forget our promise of worship, that we should be just; the things that are waiting for those who believe and disbelieve, and that we should only trust Allah without opposing Him.
Ruku 3: Verses 12-19
Allah is speaking about the Israelites’ breaking their promises and changing the Torah. God is also talking about Christians. He talks about those who say “God is the Messiah, son of Mary” and tells that a Prophet came to the People of the Book, calling out and reminding them of what they had forgotten.
Ruku 4: Verses 20-26
While Moses (pbuh) told the Israelites to enter Jerusalem by Allah’s command, the Israelites fear of war and they disobey this order .
The consequences of this event.
Ruku 5: Verses 27-34
Allah informs about the sacrifices of Adam’s two sons, Abel and Cain. Allah explains the value of human life and the punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger.
Ruku 6: Verses 35-43
Allah invites us to salvation by struggling for the sake of Allah.
He tells that no ransom of unbelievers will be accepted on the Day of Judgment and He talks about how those who steal shall be punished in this world.
Allah tells the Prophet (pbuh) that he should not be upset about the hypocrites who race against each other in unbelief, and He reveals their real intentions.
Ruku 7: Verses 44-50
Allah talks about the Torah and the Bible. He mentions that he sent down the Qur’an, which confirms the Torah and the Bible, to the Prophet (pbuh), and says that he should rule among people only with the Qur’an revealed by Allah.
Ruku 8: Verses 51-56
Allah tells believers from whom they can make friends. He talks about the so-called muslims who make friends with both muslims and infidels in order to secure themselves.
Ruku 9: Verses 57-66
Allah is talking about who we should not make friends with and about the infidels who make fun of Allah’s religion.
He tells us how these people will be punished in the sight of Allah.
The perversions committed by the people of the book and the slander that the Jews attribute to Allah are discussed.
Ruku 10: Verses 67-77
Allah tells the People of the Book how they can attain salvation. Allah talks about the Jews’ denial and killing of the prophets and the Christians’ equating Jesus (pbuh) with Allah; He talks about the trinity, Jesus (pbuh) and his mother Mary (pbuh).
Ruku 11: Verses 78-86
Allah explains what the unbelievers of Israel did and by which prophets they were cursed.
The society that harbors the greatest hostility towards muslims and the society that sympathizes with muslims the most is revealed.
The reaction of the priests and scholars of the Christian world to the Qur’an is described.
Ruku 12: Verses 87-93
Allah forbids us to turn lawful blessings of His unlawful.
Allah talks about the subject of taking an oath and strictly forbids drinking, gambling, worshiping idols and fortune-telling.
Ruku 13: Verses 94-100
Allah explains the hunting laws that must be observed while in ihram (pilgrimage clothing).
Allah explains that He has made the Kaaba a safe place for people who need help.
Ruku 14: Verses 101-108
Allah commands people not to ask questions about the already announced provisions in a way that puts them in difficulty.
Allah forbids widespread superstitions and orders muslims to obey Allah and His Prophet and to correct themselves.
He explains how witnesses should be kept while making a will.
Ruku 15: Verses 109-115
Allah tells us how He will question the prophets on the Day of Judgment. He informs us about the topics He will talk about with Jesus (pbuh) on the Day of Judgement.
Ruku 16: Verses 116-120
Allah informs us about the questions He will ask Jesus (pbuh) on the Day of Judgment and the answers Jesus (pbuh) will give.
