#MuslimGirlRamadanBookClub Day Five: Juz Five Takeaways

We have made it to Juz five of the #MuslimGirlRamadanBookClub. On this fifth day of this blessed month, we will focus on Surah Al-Maidah.

Al-Maidah is titled after the story of the table. It outlines many significant Islamic rulings on food, compliance to God’s judgment, the sanctity of human life, and more detailed explanations on previously discussed topics such as prayer and purification, marriage, and believers versus disbelievers. 

The juz covers aspects of what is permissible and what is not when it comes to what we consume and how we consume it.

Allah SWT tells us that forbidden foods include carrion (decayed animal flesh/carcass), blood, and swine (pig/pork). In addition, the Islamic method of slaughter must be followed for it to be qualified as halal. The only exception is when one is in a dire situation of hunger with no intention to sin. 

Forbidden items include intoxicants (alcohol, drugs, etc), gambling, having idols (worshiping others instead of God), and relying on chance for decision-making. These items deter you from the remembrance of God and therefore are not permissible in Islam. 

In Islam, Isa (Jesus) is considered a prophet whereas in other religions, he is considered God. The belief in Jesus being God is not Islamically appropriate as Allah SWT is to be worshiped alone. 

Adding to that, human life is immensely valued in Islam, and to this, one who kills another is seen as the killer of all humanity. 

To tap into the main reminders and reflections that we want to be mindful of on a daily basis, here are the main takeaways from Juz five, Al-Maidah.

Following the guidance of Allah

Allah SWT tells us that one of the reasons why He sent His messengers is so that we have received His message. That way, when He SWT chooses that some people should go to hellfire, they will not feel they are being treated wrongly by God.

O People of the Book! Our Messenger has indeed come to you, making things clear to you after an interval between the messengers so you do not say, “There has never come to us a deliverer of good news or a warner.” Now there has come to you a deliverer of good news and a warner. 

— Quran (5:19)

The Quran is the ultimate divine revelation and perfectly outlines the laws Muslims should follow and exactly how to do so. This verse shows that there is no excuse for our behavior and sins as we were provided the guidelines of conduct. It’s direct.  

Allah SWT favors those who believe in Him. God knows each person’s heart and due to this, believers are encouraged to be mindful of God. He tells us in the Quran:

O believers! Be mindful of Allah and seek what brings you closer to Him and struggle in His Way, so you may be successful.

— Quran (5:35)

This verse encapsulates what Muslims should seek to include in their dua and prayers to Allah SWT. In order to be closer to God, we must put in the action of being consistently mindful of Him, even if things are unpleasant. God knows best.

Attaining the forgiveness of God

Forgiveness is a major theme present throughout the Quran. This verse touches on seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT for our sins.

Will they not turn to God in repentance and seek His forgiveness? And God is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

— Quran (5:74)

To me, this verse shows that it is never too late to sincerely repent. Allah SWT is always here to listen and forgive, no matter how far one may have seemed to stray. 

Al-Maidah reiterates many key components of Islamic values such as prayer, character, forgiveness, and Islamic rulings regarding food and consumption. Many of the present disagreements regarding forbidden foods and items are connected to the information provided in this Juz.

Now that we are bringing today’s reflections of MuslimGirlRamadanBookClub Juz five to a close, what are your favorite verses from this Juz? Let us know on all social media platforms!

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