فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّينَ 4
Translations
So woe to those who pray
Transliteration
Fa-waylun lil-musallīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah pronounces a severe warning (woe) upon those who pray, referring specifically to those whose prayer lacks sincerity, humility, and proper conduct. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as addressing those who observe the outward form of prayer while neglecting its spiritual essence and failing to embody its moral teachings—particularly the compassion and kindness emphasized in the preceding verses. The woe is directed not at prayer itself, which is a pillar of Islam, but at those who use prayer as mere ritual without allowing it to transform their character and behavior toward others.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah Al-Ma'un, which was revealed in Mecca during the early Meccan period. The surah addresses the hypocrites and those who pray mechanically while denying basic kindnesses to the poor and orphans. This ayah serves as the climactic warning to those who divorce their religious observance from ethical conduct and social responsibility.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer,' meaning one who does not complete its bowing and prostration properly (reported in Ahmad and others). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet stated that the closest a servant comes to their Lord is during prostration, emphasizing that prayer should be a time of genuine devotion and spiritual connection.
Themes
Key Lesson
Prayer is not merely a mechanical performance of physical movements, but a transformative practice that must cultivate compassion, kindness, and ethical behavior toward others. Believers should examine whether their worship translates into tangible good deeds and concern for the vulnerable in society.