This article is a brief, comprehensive guide to Surah Al-Maun. It discusses Surah Al-Maun from several fundamental aspects. It answers some important questions: what is the meaning of Al-Maun? What are the names of Surah Al-Maun? Is Surah AlMaun Makki or Madani? Why was Surah AL-Maun revealed (Asbab Al-Nuzul)? This will help you in your learning Quran journey.
The article provides a comprehensive guide to Surah Al-Maun, covering various aspects such as its meaning, benefits, interpretation (Tafseer), memorization techniques, names, translation, and historical context. It discusses the significance of Surah Al-Maun in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the importance of performing good deeds for the sake of Allah, maintaining sincerity in prayers, giving charity, and avoiding hypocrisy.
Additionally, it explains the reasons behind the revelation of Surah Al-Maun and its relevance to both the Meccan disbelievers and the hypocrites in Medina. The article concludes by highlighting the lessons and themes encapsulated within Surah Al-Maun, urging readers to deepen their understanding of the Quran through various educational resources such as online Quran courses.
It also discusses Surah Al-Maun Maksud, Surah Al-Maun Tafseer, and Surah Al-Maun’s translation and transliteration in English. In addition, it discusses the lessons and benefits of Surah Al-Maun.
Table of Contents
What Is The Meaning Of Al-Maun?
Surah Al-Maun is one of the great Surahs in the Quran. It lies in the 30th Juz’ and is numbered 107 in the Quran book. However, as many Muslim scholars suggest, it was one of the first Surahs revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the beginning of the dawah. Ibn Ashour -one of the Tafseer scholars- estimates it was the 17th surah according to the order of revelation.
Surah Al-Maun is named ‘Al-Maun’ referring to a particular word that never occurred in other Surahs of the Quran. ‘Al-Maun’ is an Arabic word that means charity or Zakat. It also means the domestic things used in homes and exchanged for the benefit of people.
Benefits of Surah Maun:
Surah Al-Maun holds spiritual value, though specific benefits aren’t mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah. Its key lessons include sincerity in deeds for Allah, maintaining regular prayer, and aiding the needy, especially orphans. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of intention in actions and the significance of prayer, and he exemplified caring for orphans as a noble act rewarded by Allah.
In the following paragraphs, we will briefly discuss the lessons of Surah Al-Maun and how to apply them.
Surah Al-Maun benefit is considered as being one of the Surahs of the Quran. Its recitation is worth much hasanat (credit for good deeds). A single letter is worth a hasana, and a hasana would be ten times its value by Allah’s mercy, and Allah multiplies to whoever He wills.
Besides, the reward of understanding Surah Al-Maun, learning its lessons, and practicing them is so great and fruitful.
There is actually no known authentic special benefit for Surah Al-Maun mentioned in the Quran or authentic Sunnah.
1. Perform Good Deeds For The Sake of Allah (SWT)
Allah (SWT) condemned the hypocrites for hiding their disbelief and showing off their good deeds for the sake of others. Likewise, a Muslim should watch out for his intention in all his deeds. He should purify all his deeds for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone, as that’s the only way to get its reward.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the value of your deed depends on the intention behind it. (Sahih Muslim 1907a)
He also said that the first people to be judged on the day of judgment were those who did the most gorgeous deeds for the sake of others other than Allah (SWT). (Mishkat al-Masabih 205)
2. Never Postpone Your Prayer or Neglect It
Allah (SWT) said that woe would be for those who postpone their prayers or neglect them. A Muslim should always pray on time and stand up for prayer immediately as soon as he hears the Adhan.
This is considered as one of the most beloved deeds to Allah (SWT). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was once asked what is the most beloved deed to Allah, he replied: “Prayer at its proper time.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 568)
3. Give Charity (Zakat) And Be Kind to Orphans as Allah (SWT) Ordered
A Muslim should be keen on giving Zakat to the poor. He should always feed the needy and urge people to do so. Besides, he should give a hand to orphans and sponsor them if he could.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan”. He (PBUH) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. (Riyad as-Salihin 262)
What is The Maksud of Surah Al-Maun?
The Maksud of Surah Al-Maun is the clarification of the bad attributes of disbelievers and hypocrites. It also refers to three of the major acts of worship in Islam which are: Tawheed (Monotheism) and belief in the day of judgment, performing prayer, and giving Zakat (charity).
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The Surah reveals that those who disbelieve in the day of judgment don’t feed the poor or give charity. It also reveals that hypocrites show off they perform the prayer, but, actually, they are seeking the praise of people (Riyaa).
The Surah clarifies that this is due to their sick hearts, where they don’t believe they will be held to account for their deeds on the day of judgment. And even if they did a good deed it is only for the sake of people and not for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Tafseer of Surah Al-Maun Meaning in English (Verse by Verse)
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss Surah Al-Maun Tafseer briefly.
In verse number 1, Allah (SWT) directs the speech to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asks in exclamation: Have you seen the one who denies the day of judgment?!
In verse number 2, Allah (SWT) defines the deeds of this disbeliever. He says that this who disbelieves in the day of judgment oppresses orphans and takes away their rights. This verse was said to refer to Al-Aas Ibn Wael or Abu-Sufyan as we previously mentioned in Asbab Al-Nuzul.
In verse number 3, Allah (SWT) further clarifies the attributes of that disbeliever. He (SWT) says the disbeliever also doesn’t urge people to feed the needy as he doesn’t feed them himself in the first place.
In verse number 4,5, and 6, Allah (SWT) refers to the hypocrites. He (SWT) threatens those who postpone, neglect, or play within the prayer. This is actually one of the attributes of hypocrites where they don’t pray except to show off their deeds to people.
Allah (SWT) said concerning them: “And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allāh except a little” (Quran 4:142)
In verse number 7, Allah (SWT) continues describing the hypocrites. Allah (SWT) says that hypocrites withhold ‘Al-Maun; meaning they withhold Zakat or assistance to people in their neighbourly needs.
How To Memorize Surah Al-Maun?
Memorizing Surah Al-Maun is super easy as it consists of a few, short, and simple verses. Here are some tips to help you memorize it:
#1- Listen to Surah Al-Maun Frequently And On a Daily Basis
It is well-known that listening enhances memory. If you want to memorize Surah Al-Maun, choose a reputable Sheikh whose recitation appeals to you. Then, play Surah Al-Maun audio either from an online source or a saved disk. You can play it while on the roads, before sleep, or even during your daytime activities.
#2- Read After The Sheikh
After you have listened several times, try to recite after the Sheikh verse by verse. Start the audio and pause for seconds to repeat. You can replay the same verse several times to confirm you can do it right.
#3- Learn Surah Al-Maun Tafseer and its meaning
No doubt, learning Tafseer Surah Al-Maun and knowing its meaning can make your memorization much easier as you can better relate the verses together.
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What Are The Names of Surah Al-Maun?
Surah Al-Maun has many other names. For example, ‘Surah Ara’ayt’ means “have you seen” referring to the very beginning of the Surah. Besides, it was named ‘Surah Al-Deen’ which means “the day of judgment”, ‘Surah Al-yateem’ meaning the orphan, and ‘Surah Al-Takzeeb’ meaning disbelief.
We will further discuss the relevance of these names to Surah Al-Maun in Surah Al-Maun Tafseer.
Surah Al-Maun Translation and Transliteration in English (Verse by Verse)
Surah Al-Maun consists of only seven verses. It is a short, comprehensive Surah that discusses fundamental aspects of Islam. We will further discuss that in Surah Al–Maun Maksud and Surah Al-Maun Tafseer.
أَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى يُكَذِّبُ بِٱلدِّينِ
Ara ‘aytal lazee yukazzibu biddeen
Have you seen the one who denies the Judgment?
فَذَٰلِكَ ٱلَّذِى يَدُعُّ ٱلْيَتِيمَ
Fazaalikal lazee yadu’ul-yateem
For that is the one who drives away the orphan
وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلَىٰ طَعَامِ ٱلْمِسْكِينِ
Wa la yahuddu ‘alaa ta’aamil miskeen
And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.
فَوَيْلٌۭ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ
Fa wailul-lil musalleen
So woe to those who pray
ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ
Allazeena hum ‘an salaatihim saahoon
[But] who are heedless of their prayer –
ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَآءُونَ
Allazeena hum yuraaa’oon
Those who make show [of their deeds]
وَيَمْنَعُونَ ٱلْمَاعُونَ
Wa yamna’oonal maa’oon
And withhold [simple] assistance.
Surah Al-Ma’un – 1-7
When And Where Was Surah Al-Maun Revealed?
Surah Al-Maun was revealed in Makkah before Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Hijra to Madinah. Some Muslim scholars suggested it was revealed partially in Makkah and partially in Madinah. That is because the beginning of the Surah refers to the disbelievers of Makkah, while the last verses refer to hypocrites who were essentially present in Madinah.
Why Was Surah Al-Maun Revealed (Asbab Al-Nuzul)?
Surah Al-Maun was revealed as a commentary on the actions of disbelievers and hypocrites. The first three verses were said to refer to Al-Aas Ibn-Wael or Abu Sufian who were both disbelievers at that time. Some Muslim scholars narrate that Abu-Sufian used to slaughter an animal each week for food and when an orphan asks him for some he rebukes him.
The last three verses of Surah Al-Maun mainly address hypocrites who were in Madinah.
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Conclusion
Surah Al-Maun is a short great Surah of the 30th Juz’ in the Quran. It is partially Makki and partially Madani as many Muslim scholars suggested.
Surah Al-Maun’s first verses discuss some of the attributes of Meccan disbelievers. However, its last verses discuss the bad attributes of hypocrites and warn Muslims against them.
Surah Al-Maun comprises great lessons such as Purifying intentions for the sake of Allah, performing prayer on time, and giving Zakat which was discussed throughout the article.
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