Introduction of prayer:
This is the story of “Maidah”, on which which this Surah bears, Surah Al-Ma’idah. The Ma’idah is the table that has food on it. It is one of the favours of Allah granted to Bani Israel under the prophethood of Sayyidna Isa (Jesus) (as). Some scholars said that the disciples requested this table because they were poor and deprived. So they asked `Isa to supplicate to Allah to send a table of food down to them that they could eat from every day and thus be more able to perform the acts of worship. (Ibn Kathir) Sayyidna Isa (as) forbade them to ask this and have trust in Allah Kareem for their provision. They insisted on it, then Sayyidna Isa (as) supplicated Allah for Maidah and he was responded by the Grace of Almighty.
Explanation & virtues of prayers:
1- ٱللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَآ أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِتَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًۭا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَءَاخِرِنَا وَءَايَةًۭ مِّنكَ ۖ (“O Allah, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread with food as a feast for us —the first and last of us—and as a sign from You”):
Some Qur’anic prayers start with the words of “Allhumma” and most of them start with “Rabbana”, this prayer starts with both, Allahumma and Rabbana. This wordings shows the humbleness and deep connection of a prophet with his Lord. The Disciples of Sayyidna Isa (as) demanded him to ask Allah for Maidah. They argued that when they will witness its descending from heaven as sustenance for them, it will increase their faith in Allah and His messenger. And thus they will be able to worship more easily and comfort.
Sayyidna Isa (as) requested Allah for Maidah as a sign for his prophethood so that his nation may believe in him with full trust. And also they might know that Allah is able to do all and accepts his supplication.
Sayyidna Isa (as) wished to make Maidah as a festival for the first and the last of us. “As-Suddi commented that the Ayah means, “We will take that day on which the table was sent down as a day of celebration, that we and those who come after us would consider sacred.” (Ibn Kathir)
2- وَٱرْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ (Provide for us! You are indeed the Best Provider):
Sayyidna Isa (as) called upon Allah Kareem for provision. He praised Allah Almighty, being the Best Provider.
Ar-Razzaq (the All-Provider) and Ar-Raziq (The Provider) are the bounteous names of Allah Kareem. The word Rizq is mentioned 123 times in the Quran. The word Rizq has its roots in Arabic meaning provision or sustenance, that which is given and, indeed , Allah is the One who determines our Rizq or sustenance.
Allah Kareem mentions the belief of Sauyidna Ibrahim (as) about the favours of Allah, in Surah Ash-Shu’ara;
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَنِى فَهُوَ يَهْدِينِ ٧٨ وَٱلَّذِى هُوَ يُطْعِمُنِى وَيَسْقِينِ ٧٩ وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ ٨٠ وَٱلَّذِى يُمِيتُنِى ثُمَّ يُحْيِينِ ٨١وَٱلَّذِىٓ أَطْمَعُ أَن يَغْفِرَ لِى خَطِيٓـَٔتِى يَوْمَ ٱلدِّينِ ٨٢
˹He is˺ the One Who created me, and He ˹alone˺ guides me. ˹He is˺ the One Who provides me with food and drink. And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick. And He ˹is the One Who˺ will cause me to die, and then bring me back to life. And He is ˹the One˺ Who, I hope, will forgive my flaws on Judgment Day.”(26: 78-82)
No doubt, many of us have to face financial problems, we afraid of losing job or loss in business. But release comes from knowing Allah Kareem is the best of all providers. He provides all His blessings constantly, without been punishing for our sins. He provides all and everything. Though, sometime, He the exalted testifies His servants by lack of provision and loss in wealth, but those who show their trust in Him and remain steadfast in trials, He rewards them sometime in this world and surely in the world after. So keep praying to the Lord for each and every need and you will be blessed soon, InshaAllah.
