Sūrah 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 Sūrah was about Abū Sufyān 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. These verses were revealed condemning that action.
Sūrat al-Mā‘ūn
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
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 Sūrah and stays away from that which is being condemned in it.
General synopsis of contents
The Sūrah condemns the hypocrisy and heedlessness of those who belie the Day of Judgement.
Selected Lessons
1) One who believes in Allah and the last day will be eager to do good to the less fortunate.
2) There are certain prayers which are condemned by Allah:
a) Being heedless in prayers
b) Showing off through prayers
c) Praying but denying help to others.
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
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:
a) Q 3:180
b) Q 9:76-77