AL MAIDA (THE TABLE SPREAD)

Chapter - 5
AL MAIDA (THE TABLE SPREAD)
BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
This Chapter was revealed at Madina; All those chapters, which were revealed after Prophet migration are called Madinian chapters. Whether they were revealed particularly in Madina or elsewhere. A part of the third verse of this chapter "This Day I have perfected for you your religion" was revealed at the time of last pilgrimage of the Prophet at Arfat on 9th Zilhaj 10th Hijra (the twelfth month of Islamic Calendar). There are one hundred twenty verses and twelve thousand four hundred sixty four letters in it.
In the beginning of the chapter the verse deals with moral obligations. The muslims should fulfill all obligations and promises made whether they relate to human-beings or to Allah or they are local national or international. There should be no difference in this matter between friends and foes.
The second important lesson given to muslim is to perform impartial justice. Justice must be done to all whether they may be friend, relations and opponents or enemies. Equal treatment regarding justice and equity should be done with every one. It has been advised that muslim should cooperate with all in virtue and good and disassociate themselves from evil, sin and injustice. They should not be jealous of each other because it creates enmity such an extent that a brother becomes killer of his own real bother (the case of Able and Cain) Habeel, Quabeel.
This Chapter gives some details of lawful and unlawful things for eating. All-things good and pure are lawful.
It has been emphasized in this chapter that the teachings and principles of Heavenly Books Taurah Enjeel and Quran are nor different and divergent. All Books provide guidance and light to the followers. The last message has been given in the last revealed Book Quran and thus religion was completed. People of previous Books, did not avail to the guidance given to them. The teachings of the Books were misused by Christians and Jews
Muslims have been warned to follow strictly the teachings of Islam and to protect their own brother- hood and Faith. The Jews and Christians are misguided they would try to lead astray the muslims too. The muslims must safeguard themselves and be alert from their guile.
This Chapter describes some main principles of Sharia, relating to Pilgrimage paying respect to the Signs of Allah, complete prohibition of wine, gambling, principles and laws about ablution and tayammum, punishment for decoity and piracy on peaceful thoroughfares.
The conception of Christians about Prophet Christ has been fully analyzed and contradicted. One who is born from the womb of mother can never be accepted as God. Such born man can be the most beloved and respected bondman of Allah, but not Allah himself. The Prophet christ himself negated the innovated conception of his followers and declared the Unity of God.
The most important verse of this chapter is the verse "Al yauma....................islamadeena".
This verse declares the completion of Din (Religion) till the day of Resurrection. Now no prophet and no religion is to come. Every human being is to follow this religion for his guidance and perfection. This is most important favour and Divine blessing given to muslims as a precious gift from Allah Almighty.It is our bounden duty to pay homage and respect and to offer benediction and greeting to the beloved last messenger of Allah Mohammad (sallal laho alahie wasallam)through whom we received the last message, favour and Divine blessing.
In the qualities of the chapter, it has been said that one who recites the chapter daily, he would be saved from hunger and famine and he would be provided from unseen. If the water in which the verses of the chapter has been washed after writing is given to a patient of dropsy for drink, he would get relief.