إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ ٱلْأَبْتَرُ 3
Translations
Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.
Transliteration
Inna shani'aka huwa al-abtar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'Indeed, the one who hates you is the one cut off [from good].' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to those who opposed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and despised him, particularly Abu Lahab and other Meccan adversaries. The word 'al-abtar' (الأبتر) literally means 'the cut off' or 'without posterity/legacy,' signifying that the enemy of the Prophet will be severed from all good in this life and the next, while the Prophet's legacy, descendants, and followers would remain blessed and eternal.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Kawthar was revealed in Mecca in response to the taunts of the Quraysh, particularly Abu Jahl and others who mocked the Prophet because he had no surviving son at that time. The surah's three ayahs serve as divine consolation, assuring the Prophet of abundant blessings (al-Kawthar), the institution of prayer in his name, and the ultimate disgrace of his enemies. This final ayah provides the concluding reassurance of the enemy's ultimate loss.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding this surah: 'Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise, its banks are of gold and its bed is of pearls' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet received this entire surah as consolation during a difficult period (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that opposition to truth and rejection of God's message ultimately leads to spiritual and moral bankruptcy, while those who follow the Prophet's path receive eternal blessings and legacy. It provides comfort to believers facing persecution, assuring them that adversaries will be cut off from success while the faithful prosper.