al-Ma’ida is the 5th sura of the Qur’an, which means ‘The Feast’ and belongs to the Medinan period. It contains 120 verses, 2,804 words, 11,933 letters and 16 segments. It is the 112th sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Fath (The Victory). al-Ma’ida takes its name from the story of the Feast in verses 112–115. These verses state that Prophet ‘Isa’s disciples challenged him and asked if his Lord could send down a table laden with food as the Feast of Heaven. God agreed to send down the requested table with Prophet ‘Isa’s prayer but warned that God would severely punish those disbelieving after witnessing this miracle.

This sura is particularly long and rich in subjects. This chapter contains the famous verse widely believed to have been one of the last revelations. “Today, the disbelievers have lost all hope of (overcoming) your religion. Therefore, do not fear them but fear Me. Today, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My blessing upon you and approved Islam as your religion.” (Verse: 3).

This and several other verses were revealed at the time of the Holy Prophet’s (blessings and peace be upon him) parting sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. This chapter contains various ritual and legal prescriptions concerning Pilgrimage, lawful and unlawful foods, marriages, ritual purity, and the necessity of fulfilling the contracts and covenants. It also includes the commands concerning hunting during the Pilgrimage period and making a bequest before travelling. Among other rules, there are instructions regarding how to perform the prayers. The story of the two sons of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) is also provided in detail in this chapter. This sura establishes the legal punishments for those committing violent crimes against humanity, including armed robbery, aggression, and theft. This sura also focuses on establishing relations between the Muslims and the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians), detailing how Muslims are allowed to eat their lawful food and marry their women. This allows for substantial social ties between the three communities: the Muslims, the Jews, and the Christians. This chapter also provides a foundation for religious freedom, declaring that the People of the Book have their own laws and books and should adjudicate their matters according to their scriptures and books. The Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) himself extended and approved this authority for them and established their right to judge in legal disputes amongst themselves.