It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he said: "(In Surah al-Ma'un,) al-Ma'un refers to items that are borrowed (for temporary use)." This hadith is sahih (authentic) on the condition of the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim), but they did not record it.

It is narrated from Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him) that Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said concerning "And they withhold small kindnesses (al-ma'un)" [Surah al-Ma'un: 7] : "This refers to the obligatory zakah; they show off in their prayers and withhold their zakah." This chain is sahih (authentic) but mursal, because Mujahid did not hear from Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).