Surah Al-Kawthar (Surah 108)
Surah Al-Kawthar is a profound and short surah, revealed in Makkah, sent to give comfort and affirmation to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding the blessings Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon him. The surah reassures the Prophet (ﷺ) amidst opposition, promising him abundant blessings.
Ayah 1: إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ
Transliteration: Innā a‘ṭaynā kal-kawthar
Translation: "Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], Al-Kawthar."
- Root Word Analysis & Additional Notes:
- "Innā" (إِنَّا): The word "Innā" is an emphatic form meaning "certainly" or "indeed." This term is used when there might be doubt or uncertainty, making it clear and forceful that Allah (SWT) Himself has granted this blessing. It is not a promise or a wish but a statement of fact that removes any question regarding the source of the Prophet’s blessings.
- "A‘ṭaynāa (أَعْطَيْنَاكَ): Derived from the root ع - ط - و (ʿayn-ṭā-wā), meaning "to give" or "to grant." The form used here indicates a generous and complete grant from Allah (SWT) to the Prophet (ﷺ), a gift not limited by time or condition.
- "Kal-Kawthar" (الْكَوْثَرَ): This term comes from the root ك - ث - ر (kāf-thā-rā), meaning "abundance" or "plenty." While traditionally interpreted as a river in Paradise reserved for the Prophet (ﷺ), Al-Kawthar also suggests a vast range of blessings that encompass both this life and the hereafter. It can be understood as a gift of spiritual abundance that offers peace and washes away worries, allowing the Prophet (ﷺ) to focus on his mission without concern for detractors. Additionally, it symbolises a divine reassurance that Allah (SWT) has cleansed out the Prophet’s anxieties and reinforced his sense of purpose.
Ayah 2: فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ
Transliteration: Fa-ṣalli li-rabbika wan-ḥar
Translation: "So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
- Root Word Analysis & Additional Notes:
- "Fa-ṣalli" (فَصَلِّ): From the root ص - ل - و (ṣād-lām-wāw), meaning "to pray" or "to make supplication." The instruction to "pray" indicates the importance of salah as an act of gratitude and connection with Allah (SWT).
- "Li-rabbika" (لِرَبِّكَ): "Rabb" (رَبّ) refers to "Lord" or "Sustainer." Here, it highlights that Allah (SWT) alone is deserving of worship and sacrifice. This phrase calls for direct devotion, emphasising that the Prophet (ﷺ) should express his gratitude solely to his Lord, maintaining a clear focus on monotheistic worship.
- "Wan-ḥar" (وَانْحَرْ): Derived from ن - ح - ر (nūn-ḥā-rā), meaning "to sacrifice." This instruction implies making an offering, a gesture of gratitude and worship, performed for Allah’s (SWT) sake alone.
Allah (SWT) instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) to express his gratitude through specific acts of worship: prayer and sacrifice. These acts emphasize dedication to Allah (SWT) alone and underline the rejection of any polytheistic practices that were common in Makkah.
Ayah 3: إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ
Transliteration: Inna shāni’aka huwa al-abtar
Translation: "Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off."
- Root Word Analysis & Additional Notes:
- "Shāni’aka" (شَانِئَكَ): Derived from ش - ن - أ (shīn-nūn-hamza), meaning "to hate" or "to detest." The word refers to those who oppose or show hostility towards the Prophet (ﷺ).
- "Abtar" (الْأَبْتَرُ): From the root ب - ت - ر (bā-tā-rā), meaning "cut off" or "severed." In pre-Islamic Arab culture, being "cut off" implied a lack of male heirs, which was socially stigmatised. Here, Allah (SWT) uses this term to signify that the Prophet’s (ﷺ) enemies, not the Prophet himself, would ultimately be without any lasting influence or legacy.
This Ayah serves as an emphatic reassurance, affirming "without a doubt" that any enemy who opposes the Prophet (ﷺ) will be the one truly cut off from respect, remembrance, and divine favour. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) legacy, in contrast, is eternally protected and blessed by Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) also assures the Prophet (ﷺ) that, contrary to the claims of his detractors who mocked him for a lack of male offspring, it is they who will ultimately be forgotten and cut off. This ayah reflects a powerful divine promise that the Prophet (ﷺ) will be honoured while his opponents will face oblivion.