Surah Al-Ma’idah’s Emphasis on Fulfilling Obligations
Surah Al-Ma’idah is the 5th chapter of the Quran and has 120 verses. It is the last one of the Quran’s long chapters and was revealed in Medina toward the end of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life.
The Surah contains a series of teachings about Islamic beliefs and religious duties and obligations.
In the first part, the issue of WIlayat and leadership of the Ummah after the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the belief in trinity among Christians, and issues related to the Day of Judgment and resurrection have been pointed out.
He subjects discussed in the second part include the emphasis on fulfilling obligations, social justice, bearing witness, ban on murder, the story of Adam’s (AS) sons, and explanations about some Halal (permissible) and Haram (impermissible) foods.
There are also rulings about Wudu (ablution) and Tayammum (dry ritual purification).
The name Ma’idah comes from Verse 114 of the Surah in which the story of sending a Ma’idah (a table full of food from heaven) is mentioned.
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A careful study of the verses of the Surah from the beginning to the end reveals that the comprehensive goal of this chapter is inviting to fulfil one’s obligations and remaining committed to pledges and contract. It warns against breaking pledges and promises.
That is why rulings about punishments and Qisas (retaliation in kind), the story of Jesus (AS) and two sons of Adam (AS), and the injustices of Bani Isra’il and their breaking of pledges are mentioned in this Surah.
In some verses of this chapter, God reminds Muslims that He has perfected their religion for them and completed His favor to them.
In Surah Al-Ma’idah, the issue of Wilayat and the successor of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was made clear and disbelievers lost hope (of harming Islam. Whoever reads this Surah and follows the Wilayat of Imam Ali (AS) according to its teachings will make disbelievers lose hope and will get duly rewarded.
