Al-Ma'un (The Small Kindnesses)

Surah Al-Ma’un (Chapter 107)

In Arabic:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّينِ
فَذَٰلِكَ الَّذِي يَدُعُّ الْيَتِيمَ
وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِينِ
فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ
الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ
الَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَاءُونَ
وَيَمْنَعُونَ الْمَاعُونَ

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Translation (Sahih International):

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

1. Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?

2. For that is the one who drives away the orphan

3. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.

4. So woe to those who pray

5. [But] who are heedless of their prayer—

6. Those who make show [of their deeds]

7. And withhold [simple] assistance.

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Explanation:

• “The one who denies the Recompense” refers to someone who rejects the Day of Judgment or accountability before God.

• Such a person mistreets the orphan and ignores feeding the poor — showing a lack of compassion and social responsibility.

• The surah warns those who pray but are careless or negligent in their prayers.

• It criticizes people who perform acts of worship only to show off (hypocrisy), rather than sincerely.

• Finally, it condemns those who withhold small acts of kindness or assistance (Al-Ma’un) like helping neighbors or the needy, even if it’s something minor.

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Key Lessons:

• True faith is shown not just in ritual worship but in caring for the vulnerable.

• Small kindnesses and social responsibilities matter in Islam.

• Hypocrisy in worship is condemned.

• Being mindful and sincere in prayer is essential.

1. Historical Context:

• This surah was revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was calling people to faith.

• At that time, some people professed belief but neglected social responsibilities and sincere worship.

• The surah addresses those who deny the Day of Judgment—a fundamental belief—and as a result, show cruelty and hypocrisy.

• Specifically, it points to those who mistreat or neglect orphans and the poor, despite their claims of religiosity.

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2. Themes and Messages:

a) Denial of the Recompense (Day of Judgment):

• The first verse targets those who reject accountability in the afterlife.

• This denial leads to moral corruption, such as ignoring social duties.

b) Maltreatment of Orphans and Neglect of the Poor:

• Orphans had a vulnerable status in Arabian society.

• Feeding and caring for the poor was a basic social duty.

• The surah condemns those who push away orphans and do not encourage feeding the needy.

c) Hypocrisy in Worship:

• The surah warns against careless or showy prayer.

• Prayers performed for public praise rather than sincere devotion are worthless.

• “Heedlessness” in prayer means being inattentive, distracted, or insincere.

d) Withholding Small Acts of Kindness (Al-Ma’un):

• Al-Ma’un refers to small, everyday acts of kindness—helping neighbors, lending tools, or assisting those in need.

• The surah highlights that neglecting even these minor acts reflects a flawed character.

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3. Moral and Social Lessons:

• Faith isn’t just ritual; it’s about compassion and responsibility.

• True worship involves both devotion to God and care for humanity.

• Accountability (belief in the Day of Judgment) motivates ethical behavior.

• Small kindnesses have big importance in Islam.

• Hypocrisy, especially in religion, is strongly condemned.

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4. Literary Features:

• The surah is short (7 verses) but powerful, using strong language like “woe” (وَيْلٌ) to warn.

• It uses direct address (“Have you seen...”) to engage the listener.

• The structure moves from denial, to social cruelty, to hypocritical worship, ending with withholding kindness.

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5. Connection to Broader Quranic Themes:

• This surah links belief in the afterlife to moral responsibility.

• It echoes many Quranic verses stressing care for orphans and the poor.

• It complements other passages warning against hypocrisy (e.g., Surah Al-Munafiqun).

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6. Practical Applications Today:

• Reflect on sincerity in worship and avoid showing off.

• Look out for vulnerable groups like orphans and the poor.

• Never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.

• Recognize that faith must translate into good character and social responsibility.