A Study of the Structure of Surah al-Ma idah Based on the Tree Structure Approach

The structural approach to the Quranic surahs is a novel method in interpreting the Quran. According to this approach, each surah is of a general atmosphere and a major purpose and all the verses and the issues raised in it deal with that purpose in a logical and organized manner. To map the structure of each surah, we need to utilize some instruments and methods the most important of which is the context of the surah. Delineation of the structure of surahs has several worthwhile benefits including gaining a new perception of the miraculous inimitability of the Quran, confronting doubt-spreading, dealing with disconnectivity of the verses and defending the beliefs of Shiism. This interpretation method was applied to Surah al-Ma’idah which is one of the extended suras of the Holy Quran and was revealed to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) at the end of his life; hence, it includes the latest guidelines of Islam and is the testament of Revelation. The structure of Surah al-Maidah can be introduced using different styles; in this study, the tree structure style has been utilized to display the structure of this surah. The main idea of Surah al-Maidah is fulfillment of promise and obedience to God which is the way to protect religion and the content of this sura warns man against changing and suspending Divine rules.