Brief Info
Sūrat al-Mā‘ūn, No.107. Revealed in Makkah, 7 verses. It takes its name from the word Mā‘ūn in the last verse which means any form of assistance, kindness or charity.
It has been narrated by some that the cause of revelation of this Sūra was about Abu Sufyan who used to slaughter two large camels every day for his family and friends to eat. One day an orphan came and asked to have something from it. Abu Sufyan took his stick and hit him with it, telling him to get away. According to Tafsir Namūne these verses were revealed in condemnation of that action.
Merits of reciting the Sūra
Imam Muhammad al-Bāqir (a) has said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Mā‘ūn in his obligatory and Nawāfil prayers, Allah will accept his prayers and fasts, and will not take him into account for what he has done in the life of this world.
Note: This reward is for the one who understands the contents of this Sūra and stays away from that which is being condemned in it.
Synopsis of Contents
The Sūra condemns the hypocrisy and heedlessness of those who belie the Day of Judgement.
Some Lessons from the Sūra
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One who believes in Allah (swt) and the Hereafter will be eager to do good to the less fortunate.
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There are certain worshippers (musalleen) who are condemned by Allah due to:
a) Being heedless in prayers b) Showing off through prayers c) Praying but denying help to others.
Suggested verses for memorization in Arabic and English
107:4-5 – Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers
Activities for self-study
Check these verses that also talk about those who deny charity to others;
- 3:180
- 9:76-77
Sources
Āyatullāh Nāsir Makārim Shirazi (Ed.) Tafsir Namūne; https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-20/surah-shams-chapter-91; Ali Quli Qarai, The Qur’an With a Phrase-by-Phrase English.