Qur'an Reflections - Al-Maidah 87 - 92

In verse 87 and 88, Allah SWT talks about what is halal and haram in the provision He has given. It is mentioned that we should not make permissible what Allah SWT has made impermissible, and vice versa—we should not make impermissible what Allah has made permissible. He also encourages us to eat from the halal and good food—that is, halalan tayyiban—which means beneficial, wholesome food. 

We are also reminded to be fearful of Allah when consuming provisions. 

 

Then, in verse 89, oaths are discussed. Sometimes we take oaths casually, and other times they are serious and concrete. Three types of oaths are indicated here, and it is also mentioned what the kafarah (expiation) would be for breaking such oaths. The tafsir provides further detail about which types are serious, which are not, and what should be done in each case if an oath is broken—for example, when kafarah must be given. 

 

In verse 90, Allah gives a very clear command regarding intoxicants, gambling, sacrificial altars dedicated to other than Allah (such as statues or idols), and the arrows used for divination or lottery. These are considered defilements from the work of Shaytan, and we are commanded to avoid them completely. Shaytan uses these things to keep us away from the remembrance of Allah and from salah. So we should always abstain from them and be conscious about obeying Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), and restrain ourselves from all forms of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger. That’s emphasized again in verse 92. 

 

#halal #haram #food #gambling #alcohol