بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
1. أَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى يُكَذِّبُ بِٱلدِّينِ
2. فَذَٰلِكَ ٱلَّذِى يَدُعُّ ٱلْيَتِيمَ
3. وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ ٱلْمِسْكِينِ
4. فَوَيْلٌۭ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ
5. ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ
6. ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَآءُونَ
7. وَيَمْنَعُونَ ٱلْمَاعُونَ
The surah Al-Mā‘ūn (“Small Kindnesses”) is a Meccan surah of 7 verses. It was revealed to expose religious hypocrisy and social indifference among the Quraysh. The word al-mā‘ūn literally means “assistance” or “small acts of charity,” referring to simple gestures of kindness that hypocrites neglect to offer.
According to Ibn Kathīr and Al-Qurṭubī, this surah was revealed about a Meccan notable known for praying ostentatiously while neglecting orphans and the needy. It condemns those who perform acts of worship to be seen, without sincerity or compassion.
The surah Al-Mā‘ūn links genuine faith to social compassion and sincerity in worship. It teaches that true religion extends beyond ritual to moral responsibility and empathy. Its main lessons include:
This surah emphasizes that true faith manifests through justice, mercy, and sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ said: “He who does not show mercy to people will not be shown mercy by Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The tone is moral and accusatory, exposing the gap between outward religiosity and moral corruption.
The key verse of the surah is verse 4:
فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ
So woe to those who pray—
Why is this verse key?
In summary, Al-Mā‘ūn teaches that true religion rests on sincere faith, mindful prayer, and social solidarity. It denounces empty ritualism and calls believers to live a compassionate and active faith, in the spirit of the Prophet ﷺ.
Assistance