قَالُوا۟ نُرِيدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ مِنْهَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ عَلَيْهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ 113
Translations
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."
Transliteration
Qālū nurīdu an na'kula minhā wa-tatma'inna qulūbunā wa-na'lama an qad sadaqtanā wa-nakūnu 'alayhā mina ash-shāhidīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disciples of Jesus respond to his prayer for the table spread (al-ma'idah) from heaven, expressing their desire to eat from it as a sign that will bring certainty to their hearts and serve as evidence of his truthfulness. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, their request reflects a human need for tangible proof and reassurance of faith, demonstrating that even the closest believers sought concrete signs to strengthen their conviction. The phrase 'we may be among the witnesses' indicates their desire to testify to this miracle for those who come after them.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative about the Ma'idah (table spread from heaven) requested by the disciples of Jesus. The broader context in Surah Al-Ma'idah discusses the covenant of the disciples and their commitment to faith. This incident is unique to the Quran and serves to illustrate the disciples' humanity—their need for reassurance despite their proximity to Jesus—and ultimately God's provision for those who believe.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific Quranic event, the concept relates to Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:1 regarding clear proofs. Additionally, hadiths about the Prophet's miracles (e.g., in Sahih Bukhari) demonstrate the Quranic principle that signs and miracles strengthen faith when witnessed directly.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that seeking signs to strengthen faith is a natural human response, and that God compassionately provides evidence for believers; for contemporary readers, it reminds us that faith can coexist with the human need for understanding and reassurance, and that witnessing truth should inspire us to testify and share it with others.