Surah Al-Ma'un (Arabic: الماعون), is the 107th chapter of the Quran. It is a short Meccan surah composed of 7 verses. The surah carries profound moral and ethical teachings, focusing on the importance of acts of kindness, compassion, and charity in the life of a believer.
This surah highlights the importance of teaching Islamic values to shape people's behavior and character, and serves as a contrast to Surah Quraysh. In Surah Quraysh, we are reminded of how important it is to have food and feel safe, both of which are crucial for living. Then, Surah Al-Ma'un comes in to emphasize these points, aiming to touch the hearts of those who may have become insensitive. It encourages people to show kindness, generosity, and goodwill.
In a slight undertone, it speaks of how one's tendency to be kind must be sincere and based upon their closeness to Allah ﷻ and the urge to please him, be it with small acts of charity or their respect for prayer and understanding its significance, unlike those who perform the same acts with hypocrisy.
Revelation:
Surah Al-Ma'un was revealed in Mecca, although scholars are debating over the matter. However, the revelations was during a time when the society was grappling with moral degradation and neglect of basic human duties, particularly acts of kindness and charity. The surah addresses the prevailing societal neglect and indifference towards the needs of others. It criticizes those who neglect even small acts of kindness and charity, such as providing food, clothing, or basic assistance to the needy.
It is said that these verses were revealed regarding Al-As bin Wa'il As-Sahmi, who was known for denying the reality of the Day of Judgment, and committing sins. In another interpretation, scholars deduced that they were revealed about Al-Walid bin Al-Mughira, for the same reason.
The next part in these verses refer to Abu Sufyan who used to slaughter two camels every week, and once, an orphan came to him asking for a little meat. Abu Sufyan's response was to beat the orphan harshly with a stick.
It's also narrated that they were revealed about Abu Jahl. Once, an orphan to whom he was a guardian, went to him virtually naked and asked for something from his own inherited wealth. Abu Jahl ignored him causing the child much distress. The notables of Quraysh saw him and mockingly advised him to go to Muhammad ﷺ, but the child did not understand their intensions and went to the Messenger of God ﷺ and told him what had happened. The Prophet ﷺ took him to Abu Jahl so that he would give him his inheritance, and Abu Jahl honored him and granted his request. The disbelievers of Quraysh taunted Abu Jahl for his act of kindness, and so he told them "I saw two warriors holding spears, one on his left and one on his right, and I was afraid that they would kill me if I rejected his demand."
Meaning:
Surah Al-Ma'un is named as such because it's the only surah where the term "al-ma'un" is specifically mentioned. Scholars differ on the interpretation of "al-ma'un." The prevailing opinion is that it refers to the zakat which some people refuse to pay, and in another interpretation, "al-ma'un" refers to items borrowed from neighbors for daily use, such as water, cooking utensils, axes, pots, salt, fire, buckets, scales, and other tools used to fulfill human needs.
Once, some people approached the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what are our obligations?" He replied, "Do not withhold the 'ma'un.'" They asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is the 'ma'un'?" He answered, "It includes stones, iron, and water." They inquired, "What about iron?" He said, "Your copper pots and the iron used for your axes." They asked, "And what about stones?" He replied, "Your millstones."
Translation
- "Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?" - The surah begins by drawing attention to those who deny the Day of Judgment, which implies a lack of accountability for their actions. This denial leads them to neglect their moral responsibilities.
- "For that is the one who drives away the orphan" - It criticizes those who mistreat orphans, a vulnerable group in society, by neglecting their needs and failing to provide them with care and support.
- "And does not encourage the feeding of the poor." - Additionally, it condemns those who do not encourage or participate in feeding the poor. This verse emphasizes the importance of charity and assisting those in need.
- "So woe to those who pray," - The surah then shifts focus to those who perform prayers but do so heedlessly, without sincerity or understanding of its significance.
- "Who are heedless of their prayer -" - It highlights the neglectful attitude of these individuals towards their prayers, indicating that their prayers lack true devotion and mindfulness.
- "Those who make show [of their deeds]," - Furthermore, it denounces those who perform acts of worship merely for show, seeking attention and praise from others rather than sincerity towards Allah ﷻ.
- "And withhold [simple] assistance." - Finally, the surah concludes by criticizing those who withhold even simple assistance from others, such as lending a helping hand or providing basic support, reflecting a lack of empathy and compassion.
Merits:
Intercession on the Day of Judgment: It is reported in a narration that Surah Al-Ma'un will intercede on behalf of its reciter on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Recite Surah Al-Ma'un, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companion."
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like, and subscribe to their channel.
