About Surah Al-Ma'idah

Arriving at the close of the Prophet's mission, this text forms the capstone of Islamic legislation, delivering the historic Farewell Pilgrimage proclamation: “Today I have completed your religion for you.” It takes its name from a unique account of Jesus' disciples requesting a heavenly table spread, though it was also called Al-Uqud (The Covenants).

The text opens with a strict command to honor all contracts before detailing final rulings on purification, justice, and the definitive ban on alcohol. It then turns outward. With internal hypocrisy largely defeated, the verses directly address Jewish and Christian communities, holding up earlier broken agreements as a warning. The narrative refutes theological deviations like the Trinity while acknowledging sincere Christians, ultimately closing on the Day of Judgment where Jesus testifies regarding his followers.

While reading, notice how the ethic of the covenant binds these 120 verses together. From recounting the story of Adam’s sons to finalizing dietary limits, every law reinforces the believer's pledge to Allah.

Surah 5 of 114Madinan

Al-Ma'idah

المائدة The Table Spread

Verses: 120
Revelation: Madinan
Juz: 6
Pages: 106–127

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

5:1

You who believe, fulfil your obligations. Livestock animals are lawful as food for you, with the exception of what is about to be announced to you. You are forbidden to kill game while you are on pilgrimage––God commands what He will,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:2

so, you who believe, do not violate the sanctity of God’s rites, the Sacred Month, the offerings, their garlands, nor those going to the Sacred House to seek the bounty and pleasure of their Lord––but when you have completed the rites of pilgrimage you may hunt. Do not let your hatred for the people who barred you from the Sacred Mosque induce you to break the law: help one another to do what is right and good; do not help one another towards sin and hostility. Be mindful of God, for His punishment is severe.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:3

You are forbidden to eat carrion; blood; pig’s meat; any animal over which any name other than God’s has been invoked; any animal strangled, or victim of a violent blow or a fall, or gored or savaged by a beast of prey, unless you still slaughter it [in the correct manner]; or anything sacrificed on idolatrous altars. You are also forbidden to allot shares [of meat] by drawing marked arrows -a heinous practice- today the disbelievers have lost all hope that you will give up your religion. Do not fear them: fear Me. Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My blessing upon you, and chosen as your religion islam: [total devotion to God]; but if any of you is forced by hunger to eat forbidden food, with no intention of doing wrong, then God is most forgiving and merciful.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:4

They ask you, Prophet, what is lawful for them. Say, ‘All good things are lawful for you.’ [This includes] what you have taught your birds and beasts of prey to catch, teaching them as God has taught you, so eat what they catch for you, but first pronounce God’s name over it. Be mindful of God: He is swift to take account.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:5

Today all good things have been made lawful for you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you as your food is lawful for them. So are chaste, believing, women as well as chaste women of the people who were given the Scripture before you, as long as you have given them their bride-gifts and married them, not taking them as lovers or secret mistresses. The deeds of anyone who rejects faith will come to nothing, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:6

You who believe, when you are about to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, wash your feet up to the ankles and, if required, wash your whole body. If any of you is sick or on a journey, or has just relieved himself, or had intimate contact with a woman, and can find no water, then take some clean sand and wipe your face and hands with it. God does not wish to place any burden on you: He only wishes to cleanse you and perfect His blessing on you, so that you may be thankful.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:7

Remember God’s blessing on you and the pledge with which you were bound when you said, ‘We hear and we obey.’ Be mindful of God: God has full knowledge of the secrets of the heart.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:8

You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

5:9

God has promised forgiveness and a rich reward to those who have faith and do good works;

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem