A Critical Examination of Interpretive Narrations Regarding Verses 112 to 115 of Surah Al-Ma'idah

Verses 112 to 115 of Surah Al-Ma'idah revolve around the request of the disciples from Jesus (PBUH) regarding the descent of the heavenly table (Ma'idah) to attain heart reassurance and the fulfillment of this request by the Almighty God. Concerning these verses, interpretive narrations by different groups have raised issues such as the quality of the descent of the heavenly table, the manifestation of the descended table, punishment due to disobedience after the descent of the table, and so on. This research aims to critically analyze the interpretive narrations by different groups regarding verses 112 to 115 of Surah Al-Ma'idah. The evaluations indicate that the difference in the reading of the term "Yastati’o" (He can) in verse 112, as presented in the interpretive narrations of Shia and Sunni scholars, alters the meaning and intended message of the noble verse, rendering it unacceptable. The type of food descended varies in different interpretive narrations, and there are significant discrepancies in this regard. Some narrations consider it to be bread and meat, while others mention bread and fish or fruits. The narrations regarding the food not being finished until the Day of Resurrection are in conflict with the noble verse that introduces the testimony of witnesses during a specific period. Narrations about the transformation of the Israelites into specific animals after this incident contradict the wording of verse 115, which presents an indescribable punishment. This is because the concept of transformation was previously attributed to the Israelites in the story of Moses (PBUH). Additionally, narrations suggesting metamorphosis, in which some animals were born because of some sins committed by humans, are in conflict with empirical and biological evidence.