Tafseer of The Table · Al-Maaida · 5:113
They said, "We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and be among its witnesses."
Important: The Arabic source text is always authoritative. This translation is a study aid and has not been verified by scholars — do not use it as a basis for religious proof or for deriving rulings (ahkam). When in doubt, always consult the Arabic text and a qualified scholar.
The explanation of His word: "They said: 'We wish to eat from it and that our hearts may be set at rest, and that we may know that you have indeed told us the truth, and that we may be among the witnesses thereto'" (5:113).
Abū Jaʿfar said: The Exalted, whose mention is exalted, means by this the following: the disciples answered ʿĪsā concerning his word to them: "Fear Allah, if you are believers" — in response to their word to him: "Is your Lord able to send down for us a table from heaven?" — namely: We said that only, and we asked you to ask our Lord on our behalf that we might eat from the table, so that we might know with certainty His power over all things.
"And that our hearts may be set at rest," that is: and that our hearts may come to rest and be firmly settled upon His oneness and His power over all that He wills and intends.
"And that we may know that you have told us the truth," that is: and that we may know that you have not lied to us in your report that you are a messenger sent by Allah and a dispatched prophet.
"And that we may be among," that is: and that we, with regard to the table, may be among "the witnesses," that is: among those who bear witness that Allah sent it down as a proof for Himself against us, concerning His oneness and His power over what He wills, and as a witness for you concerning your truthfulness in your prophethood.
