The Majestic Quran

107. Al-Maʿun Small Kindness This early Makkan chapter opens with a description of the character of a Qurayshi leader Abu Lahab: unwilling to accept Judgement Day and its justice, unkind to the weak, indifferent to the welfare of the needy, and so mean-spirited that he doesn’t lend even small tools or utensils to his neighbours. He was the keeper of the Kaaba, taking care of its maintenance and income. Worship, which is supposed to be from the depths of one’s heart, became a show rather than a symbol of true faith and genuine longings for the Divine. The lesson is that a person with such wretched character can never give even a “little kindness”. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. S 1 Have you seen him who denies the Divine Judgement? 2 He treats the orphan roughly, 3 nor encourages the feeding of the needy. 4 So, ruined are the worshippers 5 who are daydreaming whilst praying, 6 they just show off, 7 and stops others from doing small kindness . 1