Summary of Quran Chapter 107 Surah Al Ma'un The Small Kindnesses

Summary of Quran Chapter 107 Surah Al Ma'un: The Small Kindnesses  

Surah Al-Ma'un (Chapter 107 of the Quran) is a short Meccan surah consisting of 7 verses. It highlights the moral decay of society, especially those who neglect or mock prayer, deny the rights of orphans, and withhold small acts of kindness (like everyday items). It emphasizes that true faith must reflect in compassionate behavior toward others. 

Surah Al-Ma’un presents a glimpse of the moral decline of the society in which Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent. Outwardly, those people were followers of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), but in practice, their beliefs and ideologies had been distorted. Their social and moral values had been reduced to mere traditions and rituals. Unfortunately, today the Muslim Ummah is also presenting a similar picture of ideological and moral decline.  

This indicates that, even at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the concept of prayer existed among the polytheists of Arabia. Still, its practical form had become completely distorted. This is also evident from the verse in Surah Al-Anfal: 'Their prayer at the Sacred House was nothing but whistling and clapping. So taste the punishment for your disbelief.' (verse 35). Clearly, for those who performed the Tawaf of the Kaaba (House of Allah) while naked and considered it the highest form of worship, whistling and clapping during prayer would also be seen as a sacred act and a great means of gaining reward. 

All praise is due to Allah that among Muslims, the outward form of prayer has remained intact in its original state to this day. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his companions how to pray and instructed: 'Pray as you have seen me praying.'  

Narrated Al-Huwairith (RA): 

Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Pray as you have seen me praying." 

[Reported by al-Bukhari]. 

• Sunnah.com reference: Book 2, Hadith 222 
• English translation: Book 2, Hadith 325 
• Arabic reference: Book 2, Hadith 327.

The method and practical example of the Prophet’s prayer, passed down to us through the companions, is still being followed. However, unfortunately, we have become completely heedless of the true spirit of prayer. The real essence of prayer lies in the humility and submission of the worshipper and the deep awareness of Whom he is standing before, and the solemn pledge he is making by saying: ‘You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.’ 

Sadly, today our prayers have become devoid of this spirit and have been reduced to the mere performance of a ritual. 

Ma‘un means everyday-use items that a neighbor typically borrows from another neighbor when needed, uses them, and then returns them. The moral decline of such people is so severe that they are unwilling to give even the smallest items like a spark for fire (such as a matchstick) or something as trivial as salt to anyone.  

Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith Number 34. 

Narrated By Sahl bin Sa’d: The Prophet said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. 

Narrated By Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah’s Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day. 

Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 64, Hadith Number 265. 

Source: Dr. Israr Ahmed.