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*INTRODUCTION TO SŪRAT AL-MĀ'IDAH, OR THE TABLE SPREAD (CHAPTER 5)*
This Sūra deals, by way of recapitulation, with the backsliding of the Jews and Christians from their pure religions, to which the coping stone was placed by Islam. It refers particular to the Christians, and to their solemn Sacrament of the Last Supper, to whose true meaning they are declared to have been false.
As a logical corollary to the corruption of the earlier religions of Allāh, the practical precepts of Islam, about food, cleanliness, justice, and fidelity are recapitulated.
The fourth verse contains the memorable declaration: "This day have I perfected your religion for you": which was promulgated in 10 H., during the Prophet's last Pilgrimage to Makkah. Chronologically it was the last verse to be revealed.
*SUMMARY OF SŪRAT AL-MĀ'IDAH, OR THE TABLE SPREAD*
Beginning with an appeal to fulfill, as sacred, all obligations, human and divine, it points to certain regulations about food, as conducive to a sober and social life, without superstition and without bias or hatred (verses 1-5).
Cleanliness of body, and justice and uprightness of dealing are nearest to Piety (verses 6-11).
If the Jews and Christians turned back from the Truth and violated their Covenants, they have had their warning (verses 12-26).
The murder of Abel by Cain is the type of the treatment which the just man suffers from the envious. There is punishment from Allāh. The just man must not grieve (verses 27-43).
Muslims must do impartial justice, but must protect their own Brotherhood and their Faith from insult and scorn: they must appreciate piety, humility, and other good points among the Christians (verses 44-86).
They must enjoy with gratitude all that is good and lawful, but guard themselves against excess, Swearing, intoxication, gambling, violation of the Sanctuary, superstitions of all kinds, and false evidence are condemned (verses 87-108).
The miracles of Jesus, and how they were misused by those who bore his name (verses 109-120).
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