Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Ma‘un is a Makkan surah that warns against hypocrisy in religion. It describes the characteristics of those who deny the reality of the Hereafter. Their denial is shown through their behavior: they mistreat the weak, neglect acts of charity, perform prayer carelessly, and do deeds only to be seen by others.
Denying the Religion (Verse 1)
Allah says:
“Have you seen him who denies Ad-Din?”
(Qur’an 107:1)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Ad-Din here refers to the Hereafter, the recompense, and the final reward. The verse addresses the Prophet Muhammad and draws attention to the condition of a person who rejects the Day of Judgment. Such denial is not only a belief in the heart but is also reflected in a person’s behavior and treatment of others.
Harshness Toward the Weak (Verses 2–3)
Allah says:
“That is he who repulses the orphan,
And urges not the feeding of Al-Miskin.”
(Qur’an 107:2–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the one who denies the religion is recognized by his conduct. He repels the orphan, meaning he oppresses the orphan and refuses to give him his rightful care and kindness. He neither feeds him nor treats him with compassion.
Likewise, he does not encourage feeding the poor. The poor person mentioned here is someone who has nothing sufficient to sustain his needs. Allah condemns those who do not help the needy or encourage others to do so.
Woe to Those Who Neglect Their Prayer (Verses 4–5)
Allah says:
“So woe unto those performers of Salah,
Those who with their Salah are Sahun.”
(Qur’an 107:4–5)
Explanation
Ibn Abbas and others explained that this refers to hypocrites who pray in public but neglect prayer in private. They appear to perform the prayer, but they are careless about it.
Being “Sahun” regarding prayer can include several meanings:
• Delaying the prayer until its time is nearly finished.
• Performing the prayer outside of its proper time.
• Failing to fulfill its pillars and conditions properly.
• Performing it without humility or reflection.
The wording of the verse includes all these meanings. Whoever possesses any of these qualities has a share of the warning mentioned in the verse.
Ibn Kathir also cites a hadith in which the Prophet said:
“This is the prayer of the hypocrite, this is the prayer of the hypocrite, this is the prayer of the hypocrite. He sits watching the sun until it is between the two horns of Shaytan. Then he stands and pecks four (Rak’ahs) and he does not remember Allah (in them) except very little.”
This describes someone who performs the prayer hastily and without sincerity.
Showing Off in Worship (Verse 6)
Allah says:
“Those who do good deeds only to be seen.”
(Qur’an 107:6)
Explanation
These people perform acts of worship so that others will see them. Their intention is not to seek the pleasure of Allah but to gain praise from people.
The Prophet said:
“Whoever tries to make the people hear of his deed, Allah, the One Who hears His creation, will hear it and make him despised and degraded.”
However, if a person performs a deed sincerely for Allah and later people come to know about it and he is pleased with that, it is not considered showing off.
Withholding Small Acts of Help (Verse 7)
Allah says:
“And withhold Al-Ma‘un.”
(Qur’an 107:7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Ma‘un refers to small items that people normally lend to one another for benefit.
Ibn Mas‘ud said that Al-Ma‘un includes things like:
• an axe
• a pot
• a bucket
• similar everyday tools
These items are easily returned after use, yet the people described in this surah are so stingy that they refuse even such simple acts of assistance. This also indicates their unwillingness to give charity or pay Zakah.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Ma’un (107).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Ma’un.