Learn the powerful message of Surah 107: Al-Maun (Small Kindnesses) – a Quranic chapter condemning hypocrisy, neglect of prayer, and refusal to show kindness, while urging compassion and sincerity.
Surah 107: Al-Maun (The Small Kindnesses)
Introduction
Surah Al-Maun is a brief but impactful chapter that addresses the attitude of neglect and hypocrisy towards social responsibilities. It highlights the behavior of those who deny the Day of Judgment and fail to show kindness to the vulnerable members of society, such as orphans and the poor. The surah warns against neglecting even the smallest acts of charity and sincerity in worship. 0 0 0
Surah 107: Al-Maun (The Small Kindnesses): Text
(1) Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?
(2) 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 refuse to provide even the smallest kindnesses. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah 107, Al-Ma‘un, is a short but deeply powerful chapter of the Qur’an. It highlights the moral decay of people who outwardly claim faith yet fail to live by its true values. The Surah exposes hypocrisy and indifference towards social responsibility, presenting a critique that is timeless.
The first verses condemn those who deny the Day of Judgment, not necessarily through words but through actions. Such people neglect orphans and do not encourage feeding the poor. This shows that belief in the Hereafter is not just a matter of speech, but must translate into compassion and justice in society. Denial of accountability leads to hardness of heart and neglect of the vulnerable.
The Surah then shifts to criticize those who pray, but whose prayer is careless and devoid of sincerity. It is a direct warning against ritualism without spirituality, where prayer becomes a show rather than a connection with God. Their worship is not transformative; it fails to produce mercy, humility, or responsibility.
Finally, the Surah condemns those who refuse to perform even the smallest acts of kindness, such as lending ordinary household items (al-ma‘un). This implies that faith is tested not only in grand gestures but also in everyday compassion and willingness to share. A religion that does not soften one’s heart toward neighbors and the needy is hollow.
Critically, this Surah can be seen as a mirror held up to religious communities of all times. It challenges the danger of separating ritual from ethics, belief from action, and worship from social responsibility. It demands a balance: prayer must be sincere and accompanied by kindness, generosity, and justice.
In essence, Surah Al-Ma‘un is not just about condemning disbelievers, but also about exposing the hypocrisy of those within the faith who neglect its moral duties. Its critical power lies in reminding believers that true religion is measured by how one treats the weakest members of society and how sincerely one worships God. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-Maun
Q1. What is Surah 107: Al-Maun about?
Surah 107: Al-Maun exposes the traits of hypocrites who neglect prayer, show off in worship, and refuse to perform small acts of kindness or help the needy.
Q2. Why is Surah 107 called Al-Maun (Small Kindnesses)?
It is called Al-Maun because it highlights people’s failure to give even small acts of assistance, showing selfishness and lack of compassion.
Q3. What lessons can we learn from Surah 107: Al-Maun?
Surah 107: Al-Ma’un teaches the importance of sincerity in prayer, caring for orphans, helping the poor, and offering kindness in even small matters.
Q4. How many verses are in Surah 107: Al-Ma’un?
Surah 107: Al-Ma’un consists of 7 verses, each describing the moral failures of hypocrites and urging believers toward compassion and true faith.
Q5. What is the main message of Surah 107: Al-Ma’un?
The main message of Surah 107: Al-Ma’un is that true faith requires sincerity in worship and generosity in helping others, not mere outward show.
Q6. When was Surah 107: Al-Ma’un revealed?
Surah 107: Al-Ma’un is a Makki Surah revealed in Makkah, focusing on moral integrity, sincerity in prayer, and social responsibility.
Q7. How does Surah 107: Al-Ma’un apply to our daily lives?
Surah 107: Al-Ma’un applies to daily life by urging us to pray sincerely, avoid hypocrisy, and show kindness and generosity to those in need.
Q8. Why should we study Surah 107: Al-Ma’un?
Studying Surah Al-Maun helps us recognize the dangers of hypocrisy, embrace sincerity, and practice kindness as an essential part of faith. 0 0 0
