Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Ma?un. [587] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/546; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/563.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Ma?un is Makki. [588] Ibn Al-Jawzi and Abu Hayyan attributed this view to the majority of scholars. It was also said that it is Madani; this view was attributed to Ibn ?Abbas and Qatadah, and is the view favoured by Al-Qasimi. See: Tafsir Ibn Jawzi, 4/495; Tafsir Abi Hayyan, 10/552; Tafsir Al-Qasimi, 9/552.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Expressing astonishment about those who disbelieve in the resurrection, and describing their deeds as terrible. [589] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/564.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Ma?un include:
Expressing astonishment about the attitude of those who disbelieve in the resurrection.
Criticising those who are cruel to orphans and the needy.
Criticising those who are heedless regarding the prayer but show off when praying, and they withhold aid or help from people.