Surah Al-Kausar is the 108th Surah in Holy Quran and it comprises only three verses and it is the shortest chapter of the Holy Quran. In surah Al-Kausar, “Kausar” means “the abundance”.
The period of the revelation of this Surah was before the Migration to Medina by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This claimed is further strengthened by the following statement, i.e. Ibn Marduyah has cited Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas, Hadrat Abdullah bin Az-Zubair and Hadrat Aishah as saying that this Surah is Makki. Kalbi and Muqatil also regard it as Makki, and the same is the view held by the majority of commentators.
Sabab Al-Nazul of Surah Al-Kausar
This surah was revealed when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was experiencing tyranny and hardships from the Quraish and the residents of Makkah especially from non-believer in the preaching of Islam during the early phase of prophethood. In addition, the whole nation had turned hostile, extreme resistance and opposition on every side and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a handful of His companion did not see a significant change and a remote chance of success.
Allah, in order to console and encourage him at that time, had sent down several verses prior to the revelation of surah Al-Kausar. In Surah Ad- Duha it was said: “And surely the later period (i.e. every later period) is better for you than the former period, and soon your Lord shall give you so much that you shall be well pleased”
In Surah Alam Nashrah: “And We exalted your renown for you.
“That is, “Though the enemies are trying to defame you throughout the country, We, on the contrary, have arranged to exalt your name and fame. “And: “The fact is that along with every hardship there is also ease. “That is, “You should not be disheartened by the severity of conditions at this time; this period of hardships will soon pass, and the period of success and victory will follow.”
These were the circumstances when Almighty Allah revealed this shortest Surah that catered ample messages for Allah’s beloved Prophet and even for the Muslim Ummah.
Muslim, Abu Dawud, and An-Nasa’i,
all recorded from Anas that he said, “While we were with the Messenger of Allah in the Masjid, he dozed off into a slumber. Then he lifted his head smiling. We said, `O Messenger of Allah! What has caused you to laugh’ He said, Verily, a Surah was just revealed to me.
Then he recited, “(Verily, we have granted you Al-Kausar. Therefore, turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice. For he who hates you, he will be cut off.) Then he said, (Do you all know what is Al-Kausar) We said, `Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, (Verily, it is a river that my Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, has promised me and it has abundant goodness.
It is a pond where my Ummah will be brought to on the Day of Judgement. Its containers are as numerous as the stars in the sky. Then a servant of Allah from among them will be (prevented from it) and I will say: “O Lord! Verily, he is from my Ummah (followers).” Then He (Allah) will say: “Verily, you do not know what he introduced (or innovated) after you.)” This is the wording of Muslims.
Ahmad recorded this Hadith from Muhammad bin Fudayl, who reported from Al-Mukhtar bin Fulful.
who reported it from Anas bin Malik.
