Surah Mâ'ûn tafsir and hypocrisy

The aim of this study is to examine certain characters mentioned in Surah Al-Ma'un in general, and specifically to conduct a detailed analysis of riyā' (showing off in worship). During the course of the study, it was found that there is a disagreement among scholars regarding whether the Surah is Makki or Madani. According to this finding, one group of commentators holds the view that the entire Surah is Makki, while another group argues that it is Madani. In addition, a third group maintains that the first three verses are Makki, whereas the remaining part is Madani. As the study progressed, it was also observed that there are differing interpretations concerning the meanings of key terms found in the Surah, such as dīn (religion/judgment), takdhīb (denial), yatīm (orphan), miskīn (needy), and ṣalāh (prayer). In this context, it was determined that the Surah criticizes not only those who neglect individual acts of worship, but also those who fail to fulfill their social responsibilities—those who are indifferent to cooperation and the establishment of social justice. The primary behavior condemned in the Surah is performing prayer with the intention of riyā' (showing off). For this reason, those who pray merely to be seen by others are is condemned in the Surah.