A commentary to Maulana Imran Hosein’s interpretaon of the verse. Arcles - Understanding Islam Friday, 18 Dhul-Hijjah 1436 Verse 51 of Surah al-Maidah: Being a commentary to Maulana Imran Hosein’s interpretaon of the verse. By: Hasbullah Shafi’iy Introducon Sayyiduna Umar radiyallahu anhu, in his six-line descripon of the Quran that we are unable to discuss here except one parcular word that is relevant to our subject, most aptly said that the Quran is Barakah. Now, this is not a simple word at all. This word may be registered amongst the most frequently used vocabulary of any Muslim from any part of the world, but only that the meaning of this word is simply untranslatable into any other language, at least not into English. The meaning of this word can only be understood and explained by analogy or events. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu, gripped by the pangs of hunger, was waing in Masjid an- Nabawi for someone to come, one who could understand his state and feed him. Embarrassed to ask directly for food, he had asked both Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna Umar (r.a.), “Iqri’nee,” which request could either mean “recite to me (from the Quran)” or, “take me as a guest.” Not realising his state, both of them had sat him down in the Masjid and had recited the enre Surah al-Baqarah and Surah Aali ‘Imran respecvely one aſter the other. The poor companion of the Prophet (s) had to listen to the long recitaons bearing the pains of his shrinking stomach. Now he was desperately hoping for someone else who could come and perceive instantly the other meaning of the word “Iqri’nee.” There came the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, the noblest of all the Arabs in language. When Abu Hurayrah requested, “Iqri’nee” hesitantly, about to faint, fearing the same would happen