Summary of Quran Chapter 108 Surah Al Kauthar: The River in Paradise

Summary of Quran Chapter 108 Surah Al Kauthar: The River in Paradise 

Surah Al-Kauthar (Quran Chapter 108) is the shortest chapter in the Quran, consisting of only 3 verses. It was revealed in Makkah and highlights Allah’s gift of abundance (Al-Kauthar) to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Surah encourages prayer and sacrifice, and assures that the Prophet’s enemies will be cut off. It conveys a powerful message of divine favor and spiritual wealth in just a few words. 

There is a deep connection and relationship between Surah Al-Kauthar and the three preceding Surahs. 

This connection can be understood in the following way: the first three Surahs (Surah Al-Fil, Surah Quraysh, and Surah Al-Ma’un) present the historical, economic, and moral background of the environment before the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), while Surah Al-Kauthar mentions his Prophethood. In other words, these three Surahs serve as a kind of introduction to Surah Al-Kauthar. 

Surah Al-Fil refers to a very significant historical event of that time. Surah Quraysh refers to the economic condition of the Quraysh of Makkah, highlighting that the prosperity and peace they enjoy are solely due to the presence of the Kaaba. Surah Al-Ma’un points to the moral degradation of that society. Now, in Surah Al-Kauthar, the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is mentioned. 

One opinion about "Al-Kauthar" is that it refers to the Pond of Kauthar, which will be present in the Plain of Resurrection, from which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will quench the thirst of his followers. However, that too is included in the meaning of abundant good (khayr-e-kathīr). 

Regarding the explanation of khayr-e-kathīr, there are approximately 25 to 30 interpretations found in various tafsirs (exegeses). The greatest example of the abundant good granted to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Holy Qur'an itself. Another example is wisdom, which was granted to him at the highest level. Allah says in the Qur'an: 

“He grants wisdom to whoever He wills. And whoever is granted wisdom is certainly blessed with a great privilege. But none will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:269). 

Furthermore, other interpretations of "Al-Kauthar" include the river in Paradise, the blessings of Prophethood, the religion of Islam, the abundance of the noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), the elevation of the Prophet’s mention, and the Maqam-e-Mahmud (praised station). 

Therefore, the meaning of this verse is: 

O Prophet (peace be upon him), We have granted you all that is truly needed by humanity — and granted it in abundance — making you a source of honor and distinction for mankind. 

The word “Shāni” (شانی)used in this Surah refers to an enemy who harbors hatred and hostility.

The word “Abtar” (ابتر) comes from batr (بتر), which means to cut off or sever. In common usage, it refers to a man who has no male offspring and whose lineage is expected to end. 

This word was (God forbid) used by the polytheists of Makkah for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The response to that insult is given in this verse. 

From Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had the following children: 

Qasim, then Zaynab, then Abdullah, then Umm Kulthum, then Fatimah, and then Ruqayyah (may Allah be pleased with them all). 

First, Qasim passed away, followed by Abdullah, who was also known as Tayyab and Tahir. 

Upon this, the polytheists of Makkah rejoiced, claiming that both of the Prophet’s sons had died, and that he was only survived by his daughters. 

So, in their view, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was limited to his lifetime, and after him, his lineage and legacy would end, and there would be no one to carry his name. 

In this context, the verse was revealed to announce clearly: 

O Prophet (peace be upon him), We will elevate your name and remembrance, and due to that, your followers will number in the billions. 

As for your enemies, they are indeed the ones who are ‘Abtar’, meaning cut off, with no legacy or remembrance to endure. 

Hadith: 

Narrated By Anas: When the Prophet was made to ascend to the Heavens, he said (after his return), “I came upon a river the banks of which were made of tents of hollow pearls. I asked Gabriel. What is this (river?’ He replied, ‘This is the Kauthar. 

Sahih Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Hadith Number 488. 

Narrated Abu Huraira: 

"Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, none of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father and his children." 

• Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 14 
• In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 7 
• USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 14. 

Source: Dr. Israr Ahmed, Qur'an Translation Book.