Surah Al-Maidah (The Table Spread)

This is the 5^th Surah according to the arrangement of the Qur'an and 112^th according to the order of revelation.  It was revealed in Madina soon after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah either towards the end of the 6^th year of Hijrah or at the beginning of the 7^th year of Hijrah. In this Surah there is a verse (5:3) that is believed to be the last verse revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him. The Surah consists of 120 verses in 16 sections.

There are six main points discussed in this Surah:

1. All obligations whether they are divine or human should be fulfilled. When we have a pledge or promise or sign a treaty we must abide by it. Also Allah gave some rules for life to keep us clean and sober.  Cleanliness of the body, living with justice, being upright and moral, avoiding sin, corruption and superstition, and doing the deeds of piety and righteousness are important rules and principles and must be observed.
2. Message to the People of the Book i.e. Christians and Jews to recognize the truth.  Allah's punishment comes on those who reject Allah's rules and knowingly violate them.
3. The story of the two children of Adam is told.  This story has many lessons. Sometime even your brothers become envious of you and they harm you.  Just and righteous persons sometimes suffer at the hands of their own family members, but God's judgment also comes. The righteous under no situation give up right attitude and behavior.
4. Muslims must deal with justice with all people.  Justice should be impartial, even to their enemies they must be just.  However, relations among Muslims themselves should be deeper.  There should not be only justice but also love, brotherhood, care and concern for each other.
5. Enjoy the good things that Allah has given, but guard against excesses.  Do not indulge in swearing, gambling, intoxicants, superstitions, violation of the sanctities of the Sanctuary of Allah (the Ka'bah).
6. Jesus -peace be upon him- was a great prophet of Allah. He performed many miracles, but his teachings were not followed and they were corrupted after his departure from this earth.

Recitation: Shaykh Mishaari Raashid & Ibrahaim Walk using Saheeh International Translation. Thematic introduction: Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi.