Surah Kausar is the 108th Chapter/ Surah in the noble Qur’an and has just three verses, making it the shortest chapter of the Quran Kareem. “Kausar” means “abundance, bountiful, plentiful or a river or lake in paradise.” This Surah was revealed before the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration to Medina when the Prophet (PBUH ) was facing oppression and hardships from the Quraish and the inhabitants of Makkah, particularly from non-believers in the early stages of the prophethood while preaching Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a small group of His companions could not see a significant change or success because the entire nation had turned against him with extreme resistance and hostility from all sides. Before the revelation of Surah Al-Kausar, Allah had sent down various verses to console and uplift him at the death of His son.
In Surah Ad- Duha, it was said: “And surely the later period (i.e. every later period) is better for you than the former period, and soon your Lord shall give you so much that you shall be well pleased.”
Such were the conditions in which Allah by sending down Surah Al-Kauthar consoled the Holy Prophet as well as foretold the destruction of his opponents.
Arabic of Surah Al-Kauser
Transliteration of Surah Al-Kauser
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
- Innaa a’taina kal kauthar
- Fa salli li rabbika wanhar
- Inna shani-aka huwal abtar
English Translation of Surah Al-Kauser
By Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- To thee have We granted the Fount (of Abundance).
- Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.
- For he who hateth thee, he will be cut off (from Future Hope).
Tafseer Surah Al-Kauthar In English
- Indeed! We have given you Abundance;
The term “Kawthar” is a descriptive case derived from the word “kathrat” which can be implied to mean ‘abundance’; that is, an abundance of goodness, of spiritual benefits and blessings. Such abundance is unbounded and limitless. In this verse, Allah gave the glad tidings of such abundance of goodness to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Narrated Hz Ibn Abbas (RA): [1]
“The word ‘al-Kawthar’ means the abundant good which Allah gave to him, that is, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
The purpose of this verse was to strengthen the Prophet’s (PBUH) determination and also to boost the resolve of the Muslim community by reminding them of their Lord’s Promise. To quote Surah ad-Duhaa: [2]
“And verily your Lord will give you so that you will be content.”
- So pray to your Lord, and sacrifice (to Him Alone).
Allah is the Only One who can grant such abundance, so thanks should be offered only to Him. This ayah reminds us that we should remain steadfast: our prayers are only for Allah and our sacrifices too are for Him Alone, contrary to the polytheistic practices wherein one worships self-made gods.
In Surah al-Anam, Allah says: [3]
Say: “Truly, my prayer and my sacrifice, my life, and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
- Surely your enemy is the one who shall be without posterity.
The last verse of this short Surah bears references to the taunts made by the chiefs of the pagans, who used to say that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is ‘abtar’, that is ‘without posterity’ (one who does not have a male offspring). They used to claim that due to the death of all of his sons, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will not be remembered by future generations.
Obviously, such taunts and remarks showed nothing but the ignorance of the pagan chiefs. Allah ensured that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not just remembered, but has served as a role model for generations after generations.
References
Sahih Bukhari Vol 8, Book 76, Hadith 580
The Quran 93:05 (Surah ad-Duhaa)
The Quran 06:162 (Surah al-Anam)
Source: Muslim Memo
Video: Surah Al-Kawthar With Transliteration, English & Urdu Translation
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