SURAH 107 — Al-Mā‘ūn — الماعون — “Small Kindnesses”
• Revelation Order: 17
• Event Anchor: Early Meccan social hypocrisy exposure (c. 613–616 CE)
Explanation:
Al-Mā‘ūn condemns those who maintain public religiosity while exploiting or neglecting orphans, the poor, and the socially vulnerable. This aligns with the early Meccan period, when Muhammad’s message emphasized justice and compassion, provoking aristocratic anger by exposing their hypocrisy. The surah fits a moment when Islam was challenging Meccan social structures: the wealthy elite maintained ritual displays but resisted ethical reform. Its criticism of those who deny basic acts of kindness underscores the moral conflict taking shape in Mecca before persecution intensified.
| Verse | Verse # | Meccan v Medinan | General Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? | 1 | Meccan | 6198 |
| For that is the one who drives away the orphan | 2 | Meccan | 6199 |
| And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. | 3 | Meccan | 6200 |
| So woe to those who pray | 4 | Meccan | 6201 |
| [But] who are heedless of their prayer – | 5 | Meccan | 6202 |
| Those who make show [of their deeds] | 6 | Meccan | 6203 |
| And withhold [simple] assistance. | 7 | Meccan | 6204 |