Al-Maa"un - Almsgiving
Arabic Name: الْمَاعُوْن
Urdu Name: تھوڑی سی چیز
Type: Makki
Serial Number: 107
Revelation Order: 17
Total Verses: 7
Parah: 30
Rukus: 1
Sajda: None
Related Hadith
"'We, the Companions of Muhammad (ﷺ), used to say that ma'un implies lending of the cooking pot, hatchet, bucket, balance, and such other things.'"
Provides direct evidence for the interpretation of 'al-ma'un' as common household items from the practice and understanding of the Prophet's companions.
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Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Al-Maa"un
Revealed
Makki
Position
Juz 30
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to the comprehensive analysis of Imam Al-Tabari, the term 'Al-Ma'un' in this verse is a subject of rich scholarly discussion, crystallizing the moral failure of the hypocrite. A major interpretation, narrated from prominent companions like Ali ibn Abi Talib and scholars like Sa'id ibn Jubayr, identifies 'Al-Ma'un' as the obligatory Zakat. [2] In contrast, another authoritative view from companions like Abdullah ibn Mas'ud defines it as the withholding of common, borrowable household items, such as an axe, a pot, or a bucket. [1, 3] The great exegete Ibn Kathir highlights a synthesizing view from Ikrimah, who stated that the highest form of 'Al-Ma'un' is Zakat, while its lowest is lending a sieve or a needle. [2] This synthesis reveals a profound Islamic principle: the sincerity of one's faith is tested not only in major obligations but also in the minor, everyday acts of generosity. Therefore, the denial of 'Al-Ma'un' is a symptom of a deeper spiritual ailment—the hypocrisy that performs public worship for show (Surah Al-Ma'un 107:6) while failing the simple, private tests of community compassion and cooperation. [1]
Questions for Reflection
Textual Contemplation
Classical scholars like Al-Tabari extensively document two main interpretations of 'Al-Ma'un': Zakat and simple household items. Contemplate why Allah chose a single, comprehensive word that forces a believer to consider the entire spectrum of giving, from the greatest obligation to the smallest kindness. How does this linguistic choice challenge a compartmentalized view of charity?
Personal Transformation
This verse is the culmination of a description of someone who is 'heedless of their prayer' and prays 'to be seen'. Following the framework of classical commentators, examine your own life: where is there a disconnect between your formal worship and your informal interactions with others? How can the act of giving 'Al-Ma'un' become a means to make your prayer more sincere and meaningful?
Relational Wisdom
Al-Qurtubi discusses 'Al-Ma'un' in the context of community rights and social cohesion. Reflect on your neighborhood or workplace. What are the unspoken 'Ma'un'—the small acts of cooperation and lending—that keep the social fabric strong? How does participating in or abstaining from these small acts define your role in the community and reflect your relationship with Allah?
Practical Applications
Practice the 'Micro-Yes' to Counteract Stinginess: Intentionally say 'yes' to small requests from neighbors or colleagues, such as borrowing a tool, needing a bit of salt, or asking for a simple favor. This directly applies the understanding of Ibn Mas'ud that withholding such items is a sign of heedlessness.
Lending a phone charger at work, allowing a neighbor to use your Wi-Fi for an hour, or sharing ingredients for a recipe.
Reframe Zakat as the Ultimate 'Ma'un': When paying Zakat, consciously view it not merely as a financial duty but as the ultimate act of providing 'neighborly assistance' to the entire Muslim community (ummah). This aligns with the interpretation of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Calculating and distributing Zakat with an intention that goes beyond mere accounting to actively seeking to alleviate the core needs of the recipients.
Hidden Gem
The synthesis of scholarly views reveals that 'Al-Ma'un' is not just about material objects, but about withholding any form of beneficial assistance. This includes knowledge, a helpful word, or even a smile. The verse therefore condemns the withholding of one's very capacity for good, suggesting that the ultimate poverty is not a lack of possessions, but a lack of generosity with the blessings Allah has given, however small they may seem.
Common Questions
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