A Study on Determining the Date and Audience of Surah Al-Ma'un

According to most Quranic commentators, Surah Al-Ma'un was revealed in Mecca. Based on its chronological order of revelation, it is also classified as one of the first Meccan surahs, which is in keeping with the length, tone, and rhyme of this surah. As for the content, the first verses of this surah were revealed in the denunciation of disbelievers of the Hereafter, and the middle verses in the censure of deceitful observers of prayer. As a result, some argue that this surah has been discontinuously reveled in Mecca and Medina, and some contend that it has been thoroughly revealed in Median.
The earlier accounts regarding the revelation of this surah in Mecca or Median also lend credit to this claim. However, according to the findings of this study, the semantic and literal link between the middle verses of this surah and its early content demonstrates its continuous revelation. On the other hand, the style of the Surah al- Ma'un and its resemblance to other early Meccan Surahs corroborates its position in the chronological orders of revelations. Finally, given that this surah was revealed in the early years of Mecca and hypocrisy was not at an issue at that time, and based on various types of revelation that spoke of an act of worship called salah among the polytheists and followers of other religions, it is evident that Surah al- Ma'un is directed at polytheists as its main audience.