Surah Al-Ma'un (The Small kindnesses)

Al-Ma'un means "The Small Kindnesses" or "Assistance" — the name comes from the surah's closing reference to those who withhold even small, everyday acts of help.

Surah Al-Ma'un is the 107th chapter of the Quran, a short surah of seven ayahs, commonly classified as Meccan though some scholars regard part of it as Medinan. It opens by portraying the person who denies the reckoning and the faith, showing how that denial reveals itself in conduct: repelling the orphan and failing to urge the feeding of the poor. The surah then turns to worshippers whose prayer is hollow — those who are heedless of their prayer, who perform it to be seen by others, and who withhold small kindnesses and basic assistance from those in need. In this way it draws a sharp contrast between outward religious appearance and genuine faith, insisting that true belief shows itself in care for the vulnerable and in sincerity rather than display. It is a compact critique of hypocrisy and social neglect.

Surah number: 107
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 7
Arabic: الماعون

Read Surah Al-Ma'un online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Denial of the Day of Judgment and its effect on conduct
Neglect of the orphan and the poor
Heedless, empty performance of prayer
Showing off in worship versus sincerity
Withholding basic kindness and assistance
True faith as care for the vulnerable

Why this surah matters

Al-Ma'un is widely known for tying religious sincerity to practical compassion, making it a frequent reference in teaching on social responsibility and against hypocrisy. Its warning about those who pray while neglecting the orphan and the needy is often cited to stress that worship and ethics are inseparable. Because it names showing off in prayer and the withholding of small kindnesses, many Muslims read it as a caution to examine their own intentions and everyday generosity. Short and pointed, it is commonly memorized and recited in prayer across the Muslim world.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah Al-Ma'un Meccan or Medinan?

It is commonly classified as Meccan, though some scholars hold that part of it was revealed in Medina. The mainstream view treats it as substantially Meccan.

What does Al-Ma'un teach about prayer?

It warns against prayer that is heedless or performed to be seen by others, teaching that worship must be sincere and joined to genuine care for the poor and the orphan rather than being mere outward show.

What does the word "al-ma'un" mean?

It refers to small kindnesses or basic assistance and everyday helpful things. The surah condemns withholding such simple acts of help, framing them as a mark of real versus hollow faith.

Read Surah Al-Ma'un

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