Sūrat al-Māʿūn was revealed in Mecca. Chronologically, it is regarded as the seventeenth chapter of the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad (s), after Sūrat al-Takāthur (102). A minority of exegetes have stated that it is possible some of its verses were revealed in Medina. The name al-Māʿūn is taken from verse seven of this chapter in which this word appears.
This chapter asks a rhetorical question from the outset about those who deny the Day of Judgement and its retribution. Then, in the subsequent verses, five different characteristics of such people are listed, namely those who: drive away the orphan, do not encourage feeding the poor, are heedless of their prayers, show off, and deny aid to others. It may be inferred that those who have the opposite of these characteristics are those who whole-heartedly accept the Day of Judgement.
In terms of the context of the revelation, one narration states that this chapter was revealed regarding Abū Sufyān as he would slaughter two camels every day and his close relatives would benefit from its meat. However, one day a non-related orphan came to him asking for help and he pushed him away with his stick, upon which this chapter was revealed.
[1] Nemuneh, 27/356. [2] Qummi, 2/444. [3] Nemuneh, 27/356.