الكوثر
Al Kawthar
Verses
3
Revelation
Makki
Period
Early Meccan
Surah No.
108 / 114
The shortest surah in the Quran, ten words in Arabic. It answers the pagans who mocked the Prophet ﷺ as cut off after the death of his sons, promising him instead an overwhelming abundance, and turning their taunt back upon them.
أسباب النزول
Revealed after pagans of Makkah, most reports name al-ʿAs ibn Waʾil, mocked the Prophet ﷺ as al-abtar, the cut off one with no surviving male heir, following the death of his infant sons. This surah is Allah's reply.
“Indeed, We have given you Al-Kawthar.”
Al-Kawthar is an intensive form meaning overwhelming abundance. The Prophet ﷺ defined it as a river in Paradise whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Classical scholars also read it as prophethood, the Quran, and his countless followers.
The shortest surah in the Quran, revealed as consolation to the Prophet ﷺ when he was mocked as cut off. Reciting it is a reminder that abundance from Allah outlasts every insult, and that the one who scorns the believer is the one truly severed.