وَيَمْنَعُونَ ٱلْمَاعُونَ 7
Translations
And withhold [simple] assistance.
Transliteration
wa-yamna'ūn al-māʿūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes those who withhold al-māʿūn (small kindnesses and necessities like water, salt, fire, and basic aid) from others. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to misers who refuse to lend or give even trivial items to their neighbors and the needy, reflecting a stingy and callous character that contradicts Islamic mercy and community values.
Revelation Context
This verse concludes Surah Al-Ma'un, which was revealed in Mecca and addresses hypocrites and those deficient in faith. The surah paints a portrait of someone who neglects prayer, lacks compassion, and refuses small acts of kindness—culminating in this final condemnation of those who withhold even basic necessities from others.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people' (Al-Daraqutni). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet forbade the withholding of salt from neighbors (related in various hadith collections on neighborly rights).
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is demonstrated through small, consistent acts of kindness and generosity toward others, even when it costs little. Withholding basic necessities or aid from those around us—whether family, neighbors, or the needy—is a sign of spiritual deficiency and contradicts the mercy that Islam demands of believers.