Lesson # 592 - Summary of Topics – Maaa-‘idah

Lesson # 592 From Holy Qur’aan

Summary of Topics – Maaa-‘idah

Surah Maaa-‘idah (the Table Spread) – Chapter – 5)

Total Verses –120, Sections – 16 (in Part – 6 & 7)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

This Surah “’Al-Maaa-‘idah” (The Table Spread) was revealed in Al-Madinah with effect from 5 AH to 10 AH by degrees. In accordance with the Qur’aanic order, it is fifth chapter. As per Arabic language’Al-Maaa-‘idah means “the Table Spread”. The companions of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon Him) requested Him that such a tray of edible food would have to land from the heaven. That event has been described in this chapter. Therefore it was named “The Table Spread” (’Al-Maaa-‘idah).

Holy Qur’aan has seven stages (Manaazil). First stage ends at the end of last Surah ‘An-Nisaaa’ and the second stage (Manzil) begins from this Surah. After its complete revelation, no other complete Surah was revealed. Therefore it is called also “the last Surah of the Holy Qur’aan”. One verse of this Surah was revealed in “the Field of ‘Arafaat” at the time of “The Last Pilgrimage” (named Hajjatul-Widaa’) of the Last Messenger of Allaah Almighty, Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). In that verse, the Muslims were informed, “’Al-Yawma  ‘ak-maltu  lakum  Diina-kum  wa  ‘at-mamtu  ‘alaykum  ni’-maTii  wa  Raziitu  lakumul- ‘ISLAAMA  Diinaa” (This Day have I Perfected your Religion for you and completed My Favour unto you, and Have chosen for you as Religion AL-ISLAAM).

Messenger of Allaah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) saw during His life that those Arabs, who rose to oppose Him (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) with full force, they entire embraced Islaam {which has been mentioned in Surah An-NASR (SUCCOUR) - 110}. 

There is a special message of this Chapter for the Muslims, “Perform your duty in accord with your Religion punctually and carefully, and show your performance practically according to the Kalimah “Laaa ‘ilaaha  ‘illAllaahu, Muhammadur-RasuulUllaah” (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), which you have recited heartily and admitted”.  

Some things have been forbidden in this Chapter to be taken by the Muslims, limit of friendly relationship with the People of the Scripture has been set up, the principles of ablution and purity have been described, importance of internal chastity has been signified along with external purity, success of both worlds (i.e. this world and the Hereafter – the Day of Resurrection) has been fixed upon performing the religious duties, different types of behaviors from the Jews and the Christians have been mentioned and guided to save themselves from them, the Jews have been advised, “You molested Messenger Moses (peace be upon Him) and disobeyed Him. Now you are given another chance. This Last Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) has brought unto you very useful commands. Believe in Him and refrain from oppressing Him” (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). Example of two sons of Adam (peace be upon Him) has been illustrated to stop the Jews from outbreak and killing unlawfully.   

Two rules of the Jews have been mentioned, which were determined to prevent them from committing the crimes, and the Muslims have been urged that the Jews did not act upon their religion, but the Muslims should carry the commands of their religion perfectly into effect. Then evasions of the Jews and off to fulfill their religious duties, have been mentioned in detail.

Messenger of Allaah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) commanded, “It is your duty to convey the Qur’aanic Message to the entire human beings. Do not ponder about it that, whether the people believe or not believe”. The Muslims have been instructed to remain away from wine and gambling. They have been told to abstain from use of some things, when they are in ‘Ihraam.

After that, they have been instructed to leave the old, bad fashions. Some facts relating to the Messenger Jesus (peace be upon Him) have been described at the end of Surah.                                                  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)