Surah Al-Kawthar is the shortest of all surahs in the holy Quran. However, it is very significant. It contains only a few words, but it teaches many lessons. Allah revealed a part of this surah to console the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) when he was sad or in pain.
As readers, we associate these verses with one’s blessings, prayers, and protection. However, pushing the boundaries of our thinking, we realise there are comments relating to the whole universe. Furthermore, we realise that wisdom associates with human psychology.
Read more: The Deep Meaning of Muharram in Islam
The Surah and Its Translation
First, let us read the meaning of Surah Al-Kawthar, which is as follows:
“Indeed, we have granted you Al-Kawthar.
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.
Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.”
(Quran 108:1-3)
The Prophet (ﷺ) received these words at a time when he was being mocked by people who said he had no future because his sons had passed away. It was especially at this time that Allah gave him strength through the past, as He provided him with something greater than anything which the world could provide him.
Al-Kawthar: A River and Much More
The term Al-Kawthar means abundance. Scholars say it signifies a river in paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said it was whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. But it also signifies countless blessings from Allah.
Al-Kawthar consists of many things: knowledge, honor, mercy, love, and the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ. Oh, and the Quran too! All are derived from the Creator of the universe, everything bestowing on us infinite blessings.
A Reminder from the Universe
The universe itself is a reminder of all the abundance you have been gifted. Look at the stars. Look at the sky. Or, look at the clouds, rain, and air. Look at everything around you, like the shaking of a balanced tree, a product of the beauty of creation. Allah gives without limits. The same Source also creates everything without pause.
The same Power that made the stars made your heart. Also, the same Power that made the skies also made your soul. Al-Kawthar shows us how to see. Al-Kawthar shows us how to be grateful.
Praying and Sacrificing
The second verse then says, “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice” (Quran 108:2). The second verse illustrates action. It tells us to connect with Allah through prayer. It indicates that we must give something to Him that is important to us or valuable.
Prayer defines our connection with the Creator. Sacrifice helps to eliminate pride, greed, or worldly comforts. When we give for the sake of Allah, we receive much greater than we give or lose. This is how the universe has been designed. Giving weakens us, while it enhances us, and we grow as humans.
The Power of a Simple Action
Surah Al-Kawthar tells us, what appears to be little to us, something very little can be great to Allah. One simple drop of water is tiny, right? However, many drops of water become an ocean. One simple act of kindness really can adjust a person’s heart.
Psychological Aspect: Gratitude Increases Mental Resilience
Psychologists have indicated that feeling grateful is beneficial for mental health as gratitude helps to reduce stress and creates tranquility. When we show appreciation for others, we are less consumed by hurt. It lightens our hearts and feelings of expectation.
In the first verse, Allah reminds us, “We have given you a gift.” From the very beginning of Surah Al-Kawthar, we are given a gift. This is an important reminder that we have more than we acknowledge. This brings one’s mind an opportunity to kick out sadness and create a genuine, joyful mental space. Gratitude begets happiness and gravitates more positivity to gratitude. The more we use Thankfulness to Allah, the better we feel emotionally and mentally.
The Enemies Cut Off from Light
The verse ends by saying, “Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.” Those who mocked the Prophet (ﷺ) were eternally cut off. They had no future. They attempted to defeat him, yet Allah granted him victory ( رفعه).
People who harm others are cut off from light. Their actions return to them. People who continue to be kind elevate. The Prophet (ﷺ) was compassionate in his difficulties. This was his Victory.
The Universe Favors those who have Pure Hearts.
All of the universe is regulated. The sun rises, the moon shines, the trees grow. None of this interferes with the laws of nature. When we live our lives on truths and kindness, we fall in line with the same principles.
Allah holds up the people who have pure hearts. Their deeds brighten spots on the earth, their prayers rise as their light. Even if the earth forgets them, the heavens know.
Psychology: Faith recreates the Wounded Mind
The mental health experts all share how belief provides comfort to individuals. When people feel as though they have no way out of their condition, belief provides a form of hope. Surah Al-Kawthar provides that light, “You are not alone and Allah sees you.”
It produces a sense of peace. The heart can find rest, the mind can slow down. When people feel as if Someone cares for them, they feel a sense of strength. The belief helps them handle the pain and fear.
The Harmony Between Giving and Receiving
This surah shows us how beautifully balanced life is. Allah gives. We pray. We give back. Life continues. The more we remember Allah, the bigger our heart grows. The more we sacrifice, the more we are given.
This reflects how the universe is designed. The sun gives light. The Earth gives food. The rivers give water. Everything gives and grows.
A Daily Lesson
Surah Al-Kawthar is not just for reciting. It is for living. It teaches us to pray, give, and remain steadfast. Moreover, it tells us not to worry about those who slander us.
When people speak badly about us, we don’t respond to hate with hate. We are patient and speak to Allah. We keep doing well. This is how the Prophet ﷺ lived. This is the way the universe stays balanced.
The Gift of Rest and Contemplation
There are times we just need to sit and think. Look at the stars. Reach out to the wind. Listen to the birds. All of these are signs of Allah.
Surah Al-Kawthar encourages us to take a break. Sit, contemplate, and enjoy the blessings around us. When we have done this, our hearts will be full of peace.
Remember the Above Thing
We get so caught up worrying about small problems and fail to see the big picture. The ayah says: “Look up. Allah has given you Al-Kawthar.”
This means that your value is high. Your gifts are endless. Your story is not over. When you see bad, remember good. When you feel sad, remember this surah.
Final Thoughts
It gives us hope when we are sad. It gives us light when we are in the darkness. Psychology explains how gratitude and faith build mental strength. This surah teaches both of these things.
The mysteries of the universe are not far astray. They are inside this little surah. When we read with our heart, we see the light. When we live with a purpose for this surah, we walk in the light.
