When was Surah 107: Al-Ma'un (The Small kindnesses) written?

Scholars generally date the composition to the early Meccan period, roughly between 610 and 622 CE. While traditional sources specify this timeframe, critical analysis confirms a 7th-century origin without pinpointing exact years.

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

Islamic tradition attributes authorship to the Prophet Muhammad via divine revelation. Historical-critical scholarship views the text as emerging from the early Muslim community, potentially reflecting Muhammad's voice or that of his circle.

Is it historically reliable?

Reliability depends on the framework used. Traditional sources affirm its preservation as divine text, while historians analyze it as a product of 7th-century Arabian socio-religious developments.

What does the term Ma'un signify?

The term Ma'un refers to small acts of kindness or common household items. In this context, it signifies the minor social obligations that hypocrites neglect despite performing major rituals.

Why is this surah positioned near the end of the Quran?

The Quran is not arranged chronologically but often by length, with shorter surahs placed toward the end. This positioning serves liturgical purposes rather than reflecting the order of revelation.

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Islam

Surah 107: Al-Ma'un — The Small kindnesses

الماعون

Traditionally early Meccan (c. 610-622 CE); critical scholarship agrees 7th century.1 chapter

About this book

Surah Al-Ma'un critiques the denial of divine recompense and the neglect of social obligations like orphan care and feeding the poor.

This Meccan surah, positioned near the end of the Qur'an, serves as a sharp indictment of those who perform ritual acts while neglecting ethical duties. It specifically targets the individual who rejects the Day of Judgment, drives away the orphan, and refuses to encourage the feeding of the poor, as stated in verses 1-3. The text then pivots to condemn hypocritical worshipers who pray but are heedless of their prayer and those who make a show of their deeds, according to verses 4-6.

Read this if — You're interested in how early Islamic theology connects ritual purity with social justice.

Background & dating

Surah 107, known as Al-Ma'un, offers a stark critique of religious hypocrisy within the early Islamic community. Positioned near the end of the Quran, its placement is liturgical rather than chronological, yet its content resonates with the earliest proclamations in Mecca. The surah opens by addressing those who deny the Day of Judgment, linking theological disbelief directly to social cruelty. By condemning the repulsion of orphans and the neglect of feeding the poor, the text establishes a direct correlation between eschatological belief and ethical behavior.

The second half of the surah shifts focus to the quality of worship itself. It targets individuals who pray mechanically, described as those who are heedless of their prayer. This critique suggests that ritual performance without mindfulness or sincerity is insufficient. Furthermore, the text condemns those who perform good deeds only to be seen by others, rejecting transactional piety. The term Ma'un refers to small acts of kindness or common utensils, implying that even minor social obligations are binding.

Scholars note that this surah encapsulates core Quranic themes: the necessity of social justice alongside ritual practice. It reflects a community navigating the transition from tribal customary law to a faith-based ethical system. While traditional sources emphasize its divine origin, historical analysis views it as a foundational text for Islamic social ethics, challenging power structures that prioritize wealth over welfare.

Dating

Traditional Islamic scholarship classifies this surah as early Meccan, composed during the initial phase of Muhammad's prophethood before the Hijra. Critical scholars generally concur on a 7th-century CE origin, noting its stylistic features align with early Quranic revelation. However, precise chronology remains debated, with some suggesting later redaction within the Medinan period.

Authorship

Muslim tradition attributes the text to divine revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad. From a historical-critical perspective, the text is viewed as emerging from the early Muslim community, potentially reflecting the voice of Muhammad or his immediate circle. The final compilation occurred after his death, raising questions about exact authorship versus communal formation.

Setting

The text reflects the social tensions of 7th-century Mecca, addressing emerging religious elites and wealthy merchants. It critiques a society where ritual observance coexisted with social neglect, particularly regarding orphans and the poor. This context highlights a conflict between established tribal customs and new ethical demands.

Genre

Short prophetic exhortation and eschatological warning.

Frequently asked

When was Surah 107: Al-Ma'un (The Small kindnesses) written?: Scholars generally date the composition to the early Meccan period, roughly between 610 and 622 CE. While traditional sources specify this timeframe, critical analysis confirms a 7th-century origin without pinpointing exact years.
Who wrote Surah 107: Al-Ma'un (The Small kindnesses)?: Islamic tradition attributes authorship to the Prophet Muhammad via divine revelation. Historical-critical scholarship views the text as emerging from the early Muslim community, potentially reflecting Muhammad's voice or that of his circle.
Is it historically reliable?: Reliability depends on the framework used. Traditional sources affirm its preservation as divine text, while historians analyze it as a product of 7th-century Arabian socio-religious developments.
What does the term Ma'un signify?: The term Ma'un refers to small acts of kindness or common household items. In this context, it signifies the minor social obligations that hypocrites neglect despite performing major rituals.
Why is this surah positioned near the end of the Quran?: The Quran is not arranged chronologically but often by length, with shorter surahs placed toward the end. This positioning serves liturgical purposes rather than reflecting the order of revelation.

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