of Nokounam Session 1141
Verses 111 to 117 of Surah Al-Ma'idah in the Holy Quran recount a narrative of divine dialogue with Jesus (peace be upon him), the apparent faith of the disciples, and the request for a heavenly table spread. These verses, with unparalleled subtlety, address the challenges of faith among nations, theological doubts about divinity, and the imperative of preserving monotheism. In this treatise, through profound and precise analysis, these verses are examined. The objective is to elucidate the deep Quranic meanings in a clear and dignified manner, aligned with monotheistic principles, critically engaging with doctrinal deviations and reinforcing the foundations of faith.
The disciples, companions of Jesus (peace be upon him), are depicted in the Quran as ordinary individuals, not at the level of the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Their faith, as portrayed in verse 111 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, is superficial and unstable. This faith, when contrasted with the complete and resolute faith of the Imams rooted in infallibility and perfection, is of a lower order. Due to their dependence on material signs and external confirmations, the disciples lacked the profound faith characteristic of the chosen followers of the prophets.
"And when I inspired the disciples, 'Believe in Me and in My Messenger,' they said, 'We have believed; so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims.'"
In this verse, after receiving divine inspiration to believe in God and His Messenger, the disciples declare their faith but add the phrase so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims, requesting testimony from God. This petition, akin to a trembling branch under the winds of doubt, signifies their weak faith. True faith, like a deeply rooted tree, requires no external validation. Yet, through this request, the disciples demonstrate that their faith has not yet attained full steadfastness.
"When the disciples said, 'O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table spread with food from heaven?' He said, 'Fear Allah, if you should be believers.'"
In this verse, the disciples inadvertently express doubt in divine power by using the phrase your Lord instead of our Lord. Their question about God's ability to send down a table spread with food reveals a fragile faith dependent on tangible signs. Jesus (peace be upon him), by urging them to fear God if they are true believers, reflects their weak faith as in a clear mirror.
"They said, 'We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have told us the truth and be among its witnesses.'"
Despite Jesus prohibition, the disciples persist in their request, aiming to eat from the table, attain tranquillity of heart, confirm Jesus truthfulness, and be witnesses themselves. Their insistence, like ashes smothering the flame of their weak faith, indicates their dependence on material needs and incomplete trust in God.
The disciples hunger, embodied in their request for the table, is likened to dry land that cannot be quenched even by abundant water, turning instead into a swampy mire. This metaphor, rooted in biological concepts, alludes to the disciples incapacity to embrace deep faith, becoming materialistic individuals. The requested table, consisting of bread and meat, responds not only to their physical needs but also reflects the dietary culture and material poverty of their era.
The initial verses depict the disciples apparent faith and their insistence on material signs, critiquing faith reliant on superficial elements. Due to inner weakness and need for external confirmation, the disciples fall short of resolute faith. These verses, like a beacon in darkness, underscore the necessity for profound faith that transcends dependence on material signs.
"Jesus, Son of Mary, said, 'O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table spread with food from heaven to be for us a festival for the first and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.'"
In response to the disciples insistence, Jesus (peace be upon him), with utmost reverence and submission, implores God for the table. This supplication, ending with the phrase the best of providers, emphasises Gods providence and superiority in sustenance. Jesus request is not out of personal need but aims to guide the disciples and strengthen their faith.
"Allah said, 'Indeed, I will send it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterward among youI will surely punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds.'"
God promises to send down the table but sternly warns of severe punishment for those who disbelieve after witnessing this clear sign. Nevertheless, there is no historical evidence of the tables descent or the execution of this punishment. This situation, like a breeze passing by a branch, alludes to divine mercy preventing a trial in which the disciples would have failed due to their weak faith.
The prayer of Jesus (peace be upon him) and the divine response signify the prophets endeavour to guide his community and Gods mercy in safeguarding them from a difficult trial. These verses, as a bridge between faith and divine mercy, stress the necessity of steadfast faith and avoidance of reliance on material signs.
"And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, 'O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah'?' He will say, 'Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen.'"
In this verse, God questions Jesus (peace be upon him) regarding the allegation of divinity ascribed to him and his mother Mary (peace be upon her). Marys mention is due to the erroneous interpretations of Jesus birth without a father, which led to deviations such as the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus response, comprising six strong reasons, firmly upholds monotheism and rejects all forms of polytheism:
Exalted are You