Al-Ma’unah (often translated as "Small Kindnesses" or "Acts of Charity") is the 107th chapter of the Quran. Though short—consisting of only seven verses—it delivers a profound critique of religious hypocrisy and outlines the inseparable link between faith in God and service to humanity. The Definition of Faith
The message is clear: ritual worship (Salah) is meaningless if it does not transform a person's character. If prayer does not lead to sincerity and a desire to help others, it becomes a performance rather than a spiritual connection. The surah suggests that God is more concerned with the heart behind the action than the mechanics of the ritual itself. The Significance of "Small Kindnesses" al-ma'unah
Perhaps the most striking part of the surah is its warning to those who pray ( Musallin ). It warns those who are "heedless of their prayer" and those who "make show [of their deeds]." If prayer does not lead to sincerity and
It criticizes those who do not "urge the feeding of the poor." This suggests that it is not enough to simply be aware of suffering; a true believer must actively advocate for and participate in the relief of poverty. The Critique of "Empty" Worship It warns those who are "heedless of their
The text identifies specific social failures as evidence of a hollow spiritual life:
The surah condemns those who "push away the orphan," indicating a lack of compassion and justice for those without protection.