Al-Māʾidah (المائدة)
Definition and Context
Al-Māʾidah (Arabic: المائدة, Turkish: Sofra) translates to “The Table” or “The Feast.” It is the title of the fifth Sūrah (chapter) of the Qurʾān. The Sūrah Al-Māʾidah is significant due to an event mentioned in the 114th verse, where a conversation related to Jesus (عيسى عليه السلام, Isa عليه السلام) and his disciples is detailed.
Etymology
The word Māʾidah comes from the Arabic root “مائدة” (Māʾidah), which means a table or a spread of food. It symbolizes sustenance and divine provision.
Miracle Associated with Al-Māʾidah
According to Islamic tradition, as narrated in the Qur’an, Jesus’ disciples asked him to pray to God to send down a table spread with food from heaven. Jesus prayed, and a red table descended between two clouds and was set before them. There are varying accounts about the provisions on the table:
- Some commentators cite that the table included nine cakes of bread and nine fishes.
- Others describe bread and flesh or various foods excluding flesh or bread but not both.
- A common tradition mentions a ready-dressed fish without scales or prickly fins, surrounded by diverse herbs (excluding leeks), accompanied by loaves of bread each topped with different condiments like olives, honey, butter, cheese, and dried meat.
It is believed that over a thousand people, suffering from infirmities or poverty, ate from the table and were satisfied. The table is said to have descended for forty days, providing sustenance during dinners before ascending back to heaven.
Different Perspectives
Islamic scholars hold diverse opinions about the historical reality of this event. While most think the Qur’anic narration supports a literal interpretation, a few suggest that it might have been metaphorical.
Significance in Islam
The miracle signifies divine generosity and provision. It is also a test of faith for Jesus’ followers, illustrating themes of trust and gratitude towards God (Allah).
Comparative Observations
Some Islamic commentators connect this narrative to Christian traditions about Christ’s last supper and the Eucharist. These narratives emphasize the importance of faith, divine grace, and heavenly sustenance in both religious contexts.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” by Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti
- “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by Muhammad Abdel Haleem
- “Jesus in the Qur’an” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “Major Themes of the Quran” by Fazlur Rahman
Takeaways
- Al-Māʾidah (The Table) is the fifth Sūrah of the Qur’an and signifies divine grace and provision.
- The miracle of the descending table is a testament to the faith and trust Jesus’ disciples had in God.
- There are both literal and metaphorical interpretations of the event among Islamic scholars.
- The Qur’anic narrative aligns with certain aspects of Christian traditions, highlighting shared religious themes.
Conclusion
Al-Māʾidah serves as a poignant reminder of God’s ability to provide and the importance of faith. It demonstrates the concept of divine intervention in the natural world and reinforces the themes of trust, gratitude, and divine generosity in Islam.
