إِنَّآ أَعْطَيْنَـٰكَ ٱلْكَوْثَرَ 1
Translations
Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muḥammad], al-Kawthar.
Transliteration
Inna a'taynaka al-kawthar
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah assures Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that He has granted him al-Kawthar, which classical scholars interpret as a river in Paradise with water sweeter than honey and whiter than milk, or more broadly as an abundance of good, knowledge, and followers. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this as divine compensation and honor for the Prophet, while Al-Qurtubi notes it represents both material and spiritual blessings bestowed upon him. This ayah emphasizes Allah's generous bestowal of blessings upon His Messenger as a sign of divine favor and love.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Kawthar was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Quraysh mocked the Prophet, particularly after the death of his son Al-Qasim, with the pagan poet 'Umayyah ibn Abi al-Salt taunting him by saying he was 'cut off' (abtar - without progeny). This surah was revealed to console the Prophet and assure him of Allah's boundless blessings despite the taunts of his enemies.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described al-Kawthar in detail: 'Its width is like the distance between Ummah and Ailah, its waters are whiter than milk, sweeter than honey, and its stones are of gold and pearls' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said, 'Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise that flows with abundance' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's rewards for patience and steadfastness transcend worldly trials and rejections—what seems like deprivation or mockery in this life is compensated with immeasurable divine blessings. For modern readers, it reinforces the importance of trusting in Allah's providence during hardship and understanding that true abundance lies not in material wealth but in divine favor and spiritual fulfillment.