Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn . The Only Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace , not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray .

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108: (Al-Kawthar)- Abundance 

(The Abundance)Number of Verses: 3

Sūra al-Kawthar (Arabic: سورة الكوثر) is the 108th sura and a  makki sura of the quran, located in the thirtieth juz thereof. It is the smallest sura of the Qur'an, which is called "al-Kawthar" because its first verse talks about a blessing to the prophet (s) called "al-Kawthar," asking the Prophet (s) to say prayers and sacrifice for such a great blessing.

Instances of "al-Kawthar" are variously interpreted as the pond of kawthar, a river in the heaven, an abundance of the good, prophethood, the Qur'an, the great number of his companions, and intercession. In the view of many scholars, one instance of "al-Kawthar" is lady fatiima (a) and her children, because the sura was revealed in response to those who had claimed that the Prophet (s) had no progeny.

As to the virtue of the recitationof Sura al-Kawthar, it is said: if one recites the sura in his daily prayers, then he will drink from the Pond of Kawthar on the day of resurrection, and will be a companion of the prophet (s) under the Tree of Tuba.

This Surah is known as a Meccan Surah, but some believe that it may be Medinan. Some others have said that this Surah might have been revealed twice; once in Mecca and once in Medina, but the narrations cited on the occasion of its revelation attest to the first idea which says it is Meccan.

The following is a story told about the occasion of the revelation of Surah Kawthar: 'As-ibn-wa'il, who was one of the chiefs of the pagans, met the holy Prophet (S) coming out of the Sacred Mosque. He spoke with him (S) for awhile.

In the meantime, a group of authoritative men of the Quraish were sitting in the Mosque watching him from a distance.

When 'As-ibn-Wa'il entered the Mosque they asked him:

"To whom were you speaking?"

He answered:

"With this abtar one".

He used this word for the holy Prophet (S) to taunt him, because he (S) had two sons born of Lady Khadijah; Ghasem and Taher (also called 'Abdullah) who died in Mecca and so, there was no live male issue from the holy Prophet (S). Hence after, the Qur'an applied this name to the enemies of the Prophet.

The Arabs used to call the one who had no son /abtar/, and 'abtar' means 'the animal whose tail is cut off'. So, then. it means the one whose succession in his seed has ceased, i.e., the one who has none to inherit him. To console the holy Prophet (S), this Surah was revealed with the glad tidings of the greatest amount or the highest degree of the grace of Allah, bestowed on him.

Those people traditionally considered the male child extraordinarily valuable and thought of him as a substitute for the father. They happily imagined that with the demise of the Holy Prophet (S) his program would cease because he had no son to substitute him to continue it.

The revelation of this Surah was, in fact, an answer to the enemies of the Apostle to inform them that Islam and the Qur'an would remain and ceaselessly continue, forever.

On the virtue of the recitation of this Surah, a tradition from the holy Prophet (S) says:

"He who recites it (Surah Kawthar) Allah will quench his thirst from the streams of Heaven and will recompense him good rewards as many as the number of every sacrifice which the servants of Allah make on the day of the Feast of Sacrifice, together with those sacrifices which are of the People of the Book and the pagans."

The name of this Surah, Kawthar, is taken from the first verse of the Surah.

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Benefits

There are 3 ayaat in this 'makki' Surah. It is narrated from Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) that the person who recites this Surah in any of his prayers, will drink from the fountain of Kawthar. The reward for reciting this Surah is compared to ten times the number of cattle slaughtered on Eid-ul-Adh'ha every year until the Day of Resurrection.

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Lessons

Anas (radiyallahu 'anhu) said, The Holy Prophet was among us. In the meantime he dozed; then he raised his head, smiling, and said, "A chapter was revealed to me earlier." Then he read, "Indeed, We have granted you al-Kawthar. So, pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, the one who insults you, he is cut off... [Saheeh Muslim]

Surah al-Kawthar is the shortest surah of the Quran and many of us have memorized it, but do we truly feel it when we recite it? What does this surah have to do with us? It was the powerful emaan booster given by Allah ('azza wajal) to His prophet and the community in a very difficult time, so let's find out how we can use it to boost our faith and make us more productive!

A Heart-melting Scene in the Hereafter

Imagine for a moment that you're on the plains of al-Hashr, the gathering on the Day of Judgment. Anxiety is all around you, but you don't care— you're having emotions you've never felt before.

Think back to the the last time you fasted on a long, hot day. Forget food— you just wanted one glass of water right? This day, the sun is low and people will be sweating like never before.

The Prophet (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: I am your predecessor (forerunner) at the Lake-Fount, and whoever will pass by there, he will drink from it and whoever will drink from it, he will never be thirsty.. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree]

Imagine a beautiful, exclusive lake of abundant good on the Day of Judgment, covered with vessels like stars in the sky for all the believers to drink from at a time when you will be craving for a drink. The lake will provide a drink sweeter than honey and whiter than milk, sweet enough to satisfy your taste buds forever.

Rasulullah (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said about al-Kawthar: It is a pond where my Ummah will be brought to on the Day of Judgement. Its vessels are as numerous as the stars in the sky.[Saheeh Muslim]

And he said: I entered Paradise and I came to a river whose banks had tents made of pearls. So I thrust my hand into its flowing water and found that it was the strongest (smell) of musk. So I asked, "O Jibril! What is this" He replied, "This is Al-Kawthar which Allah, the Mighty and Majestic has given you." [Imam Ahmad]

What a lofty goal to strive for! How can you be of those who drink of the prophet's hands and get his intercession? Start living by Surah Al-Kawthar, a river of goodness through this life and the next!

8 Productivity Lessons From Surah Al-Kawthar

Ayah 1: Verily (innaa) we gave you ( 'ataynaakal) the abundant good (al-Kawthar)

1. Change your way of thinking: be thankful. One of the most infamous productivity-killers is ingratitude. Ingratitude makes you feel depressed, angry, and worried. You constantly think about what you don't have. You get angry looking at what others have. In this very first ayah Allah 'azza wajal does not mention the hardship the Prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was going through, including the death of his son and the opposition of the pagans. Rather Allah reminds the prophet in the toughest of times of what He had given to him: abundant good in this life and the next. Next time a trial hits you, shift your way of thinking from focusing on the trial and what you lost to what Allah has given you.

2. Benefit from the prophet. Ibn 'Abbas said about the meaning of al-Kawthar: It is the good which Allah gave to him (the Prophet)... The river which is in Paradise is part of the goodness which Allah gave him.' [Al-Bukharee] Allah 'azza wajal has given you a chance to benefit from the Prophet in many ways. He has made you his follower and given you the Quran through him. His character teaches us how to build your character. The abundance given to him can flow like a river through your life, if you only take his example. Thank Allah for your guidance, strive to understand the Quran, and work on your character. If you want to be close to him on the Day of Judgment, each day send lots of prayers for the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam, who said: The closest of people to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who send the most blessings on me [At-Tirmidhee]. Imagine all those times you say: salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam!

Ayah 2: So pray (fasalli) to your Lord (li Rabbika) and sacrifice (wanhar)

3. Treat your salah as your life-saver. Know and act upon this in life and you will succeed insha'Allah: salah is the first act of 'ibadah you will be asked about on the Day of Judgment. If it is good, the rest is good. What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: We were not of those who used to offer their Salat (prayers). [Quran, 74:42-43]

4. Make sacrifice a part of your day. Thank Allah by actions and not only by words. Sacrifice an hour of time or part of your salary to help someone in need or sacrifice your skills to help out at a charity fundraiser. The problem is that many of us don't feel the need to make sacrifices. We pray, but when it comes to sacrificing time or wealth we do it occasionally. The secret of a successful Muslim is that you make sacrificing a part of each and every day.

Ayah 3: Indeed (inna) your enemy (shaani'aka) he (huwa) is cut off (al abtar)

5. Dealing with ridicule. The leaders of the Quraysh were ridiculing the prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, saying he was abtar, cut off from all future hope and spreading his message because his sons died. Being ridiculed can either make you or break you. From this surah you learn that the good in the Hereafter is exclusively for those who believe and do good. When you are mocked because of your hijaab or your beard, let this surah remind you not to become weak in faith!

6. Don't take pride in children. Your possessions and popularity don't determine that you are good. "Good" means you have a heart that is thankful to Allah. Raise your children as your legacy, never take pride in them as it is Allah to whom we all belong.

7. Always believe in the promise of Allah and live by it. Who could ever think these powerful Quraysh leaders would be destroyed? What became now of Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl, and the like? At the battle of Badr the Prophet stood above their bodies and said: Have you found true what your Lord promised you?" Somebody said to him, "You are addressing dead people." He replied, "You do not hear better than they but they cannot reply." [Saheeh al-Bukharee] The name of Muhammad is being called out by millions worldwide in the adhaan, the shahada, the prayer. So who is really abtar – cut off? Whatever happens, know that the promise of Allah is true— all you need to do is stick to your deen. Leave a legacy. Set up a charity project, help others learn the Quran, and leave the rest to Allah 'azza wajal.

8. Say bismillah. The prophet salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Every action that does not begin with Allah's remembrance is cut off (severed). [An-Nasa'i] "Cut off,", according to the scholars, means "cut off from blessings." So increase in saying bismillah!

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Thankfulness and Worship

The word for thankfulness in Arabic is shukur. It was used by the Arabs of antiquity when they talked about a well-fed animal who became plump – showing the signs of a generous master. Hence, they would say "Daba Shakur," a thankful animal.

"The Kawthar"

This word is a noun on the form فوعل which signifies abundant good as noted by al-Zamakhshari. Its origin is كثر which means abundance. However, here the letter و has been added and we have كوثر. There is an important principle in Arabic morphology that applies here: "An addition to the form equates to an increase in the meanings intensity."

This word was used by the Arabs to describe a person of abundant good. Once a poet praised 'Abul Malik bin Marwan saying:

وَأَنْتَ كَثِيرٌ يَا ابْنَ مَرْوَانَ طَيِّبٌ ... وَكَانَ أَبوك ابْن العقائل كَوْثَرَا

"And you, o son of Marwan, are abundant in goodness...And your father, the father of bin al-'Uqali,' was kawthara (source of abundant good)."

The early scholars gave different interpretations for this word. Ibn 'Abbas said, "Abundant good." 'Ikrama said, "Prophet-hood and the Qur'an." Al-Hassan said, "The Qur'an." Al-Mughira said, "Islam." Abu Bakr 'Ayyash said, "An abundant community." Others said, "Light in the hearts," and others, "the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ." None of these contradict the statement of the Prophet ﷺ as his statement does not limit the different meanings. The purpose of this chapter was to strengthen the Prophet's ﷺ resolve and boost his community by reminding them that he is the recipient of abundant good. Therefore, as we discussed in other lessons, the companion's different explanations of a universal principle, such as good here, is acceptable.

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What Is Meant by Al-Kawthar?

Let's start with the first ayah of the surah, "We have certainly given you Al-Kawthar".

The term Al-Kawthar is derived from Al-Kathrah, which translates to 'abundance' and 'multitude'.

This term, Al-Kawthar, was used to symbolize the goodness Allah the Almighty had given to His Prophet.

This goodness, which is widely abundant, plentiful, overflowing, and never-ending, truly counters all the defamatory things that the disbelievers said about him (peace and blessings be upon him).

When we read the Qur'an, we see Al-Kawthar flows with richness for all those who approach it.

Al-Kawthar is found in the Prophet's Sunnah, which benefits all who follow it.

It is also found in the good deeds done by millions of people who followed the Prophet's way yesterday. And all those who will continue doing so until the end of days.

River in Jannah

Some scholars say, Al-Kawthar symbolizes a river in Jannah. They are right; however, the river which is mentioned in several hadiths, is just an example of this unlimited abundance!

Check out one of many of the hadiths that mention Al-Kawthar the river. Imam Ahmed recorded from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah said,

"Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise whose banks are of gold and it runs over pearls. Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey". (At-Tirmidhi)

The ayah, "We have certainly given you Al-Kawthar," ascertains the never-ending abundance that was given to the Prophet in this life, as well as glad tidings to some of what he will be given in Paradise.

Surely, when these bounties come from the Almighty, and He mentions this in His Qur'an, this surely comforts the Prophet's heart. And leaves him feeling assured that he will be the winner in both lives.A divine order to the Prophet and the believers

"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice to Him,"

In return for the abundant goodness and the divine refutation of the false allegations made by the polytheists, the Quran directs the Prophet to be completely and sincerely thankful to Allah.

He is guided to observe all acts of worship including the obligatory prayer and sacrifice sincerely and for the sake of Allah Alone, without ascribing any partners to Him, Glory be His.

As true believers in Allah, neither the Prophet nor his followers, should follow the steps of the disbelievers, in any way.

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Hadiths

Another tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) says:

"Kawthar is a stream in Heaven that Allah granted His Apostle for his son (who died in his lifetime)".

Some have also said the purpose of using the word 'Kawthar' is for the Pool of Abundance (haud-i-kauthar) that belongs to the Prophet (S) wherefrom the believers quench their thirst when arriving in Paradise.

Some have commented on it as being 'prophecy' and some others as 'the Qur'an'; still others as 'abundance of the Prophet's companions and followers', or the 'abundance of the descendants' all of whom came from his daughter, Fatimah Zahra (as), and they multiplied to such an extent that it is impossible to count them.

They are not only, now, but, until the advent of the Hereafter, the reminders of the holy Prophet (S). Some have also commented on it as being 'intercession', narrating a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) in this connection, as a reference.

Even, Fakhr-i-Razi has narrated fifteen different narrations on the meaning of 'Kawthar'.

But, it seems that most of them are the statements of the clear examples of this broad concept, because, as was mentioned before, 'Kawthar' means 'goodness and blessing in abundance', and we know that Allah, the Graceful, granted the holy Prophet (S) so many blessings so that each of those mentioned in the above is one clear example of them. There are also many other examples that may be cited as example commentaries for the verse.

However, all the divine gifts granted to the holy Prophet (S) in all aspects, even the victories in his expeditions against his enemies, and the scholars of his followers in the Muslim community, who guard the burning torch of Islam and Qur'an, in every period and age, and carry it throughout the world, all in all are involved in this 'abundance of good'.

It should not be forgotten that Allah revealed these verses to His Prophet's holy heart at the time when the manifestations of this 'abundance of good' had not yet appeared. It was a miraculous piece of news which informed about the near future and the remote future regarding the legitimacy of the holy Prophet (S).

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