Surah Al-Ma'idah
Surah 5 · The Table Spread · 120 verses · medinan
The Table Spread — from the feast the disciples of 'Isa عليه السلام asked to be sent down from heaven, in verses 112–115.
The story
This surah teaches us to keep our promises. It tells the story of the two sons of Adam عليه السلام, and it teaches us the amazing rule that saving one person is like saving the whole world.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-11
Keep your contracts
The opening command, then lawful food, hunting, purification, and the verse of wudu.
AYAH 12-26
Broken covenants
Israel and the Christians before, and the refusal to enter the land — "we will not enter it as long as they are in it."
AYAH 27-34
The first murder
The two sons of Adam, and the ruling drawn from it: one life is all of humanity.
AYAH 41-50
Judging by what Allah revealed
The standard for rulers and judges, and the Quran as a guardian over the books before it.
AYAH 51-86
Friendship and loyalty
Where a believer's allegiance sits, and the nearest in affection among the People of the Book.
AYAH 87-120
Oaths, wine, and the table
The final prohibition of wine and gambling, expiation for broken oaths, and 'Isa questioned on the Last Day.
Verses to carry
- 5:3Revealed at 'Arafah on the Farewell Pilgrimage: "This day I have perfected your religion for you."
- 5:32"Whoever saves one life, it is as if he saved all of humanity."
- 5:8"Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to be unjust." Justice survives even your anger.
- 5:2"Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression." The rule for every alliance.
Remember this
A promise is not a small thing. When you say you will do something, do it.
Talk about it
Allah says being angry with someone is still no excuse to be unfair to them. Is that hard? When?