Surah 107: Al-Ma'un (The Small kindnesses)

Lore & Background

The sura opens by identifying a person who denies the Recompense (Surah 107:1), and immediately defines that denial through social cruelty: driving away the orphan (Surah 107:2) and failing to encourage feeding the poor (Surah 107:3). This establishes that belief in accountability is inseparable from ethical treatment of the vulnerable. The second half of the sura shifts to those who pray (Surah 107:4) but are heedless of their prayer (Surah 107:5), making a show of their deeds (Surah 107:6) and withholding simple assistance (Surah 107:7). The structure contrasts two groups: outright deniers and hypocritical worshippers, both failing in compassion.

Reader's Guide

The sura portrays its subject—the denial of the Recompense and its practical consequences—through a series of linked condemnations. The one who denies the Recompense (Surah 107:1) is immediately identified by specific actions: driving away the orphan (Surah 107:2) and not encouraging the feeding of the poor (Surah 107:3). These verses suggest that disbelief in ultimate accountability manifests as callousness toward the most vulnerable. The sura then turns to those who pray (Surah 107:4) but are heedless of their prayer (Surah 107:5), who make a show of their deeds (Surah 107:6) and withhold simple assistance (Surah 107:7). This second group is not accused of denying the Recompense outright, but their ritual practice is rendered hollow by lack of sincerity and refusal to offer basic help. The sura thus portrays both explicit denial and hypocritical religiosity as equally failing the test of compassion.

Did You Know?

• The sura directly links denial of the Recompense (Surah 107:1) with mistreating orphans (Surah 107:2) and neglecting the poor (Surah 107:3).
• It criticizes those who pray but are heedless of their prayer (Surah 107:4-5), indicating that ritual alone is insufficient.
• The final verse condemns withholding 'simple assistance' (Surah 107:7), emphasizing small acts of kindness.
• The sura contrasts two groups: outright deniers and hypocritical worshippers, both failing in social responsibility.