Surah Al-Kawthar
الكوثر
Abundance — 3 verses, revealed in Makkah. Read it in Arabic with transliteration and meaning, then learn its background, virtues and tajweed.
Surah Al-Kawthar is surah number 108 of the Quran, meaning “Abundance”. It has 3 verses and was revealed in Makkah. Al-Kawthar, the shortest surah, is a gift and comfort to the Prophet ﷺ: Allah has given him abundant good.
Surah Al-Kawthar with transliteration & meaning
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ
- 1
اِنَّاۤ اَعْطَیْنٰكَ الْكَوْثَرَ ؕ ۱
Inna a'taynakal-kawthar.
Indeed, We have given you Al-Kawthar.
- 2
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ ؕ ۲
Fasalli lirabbika wanhar.
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.
- 3
اِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْاَبْتَرُ ۳
Inna shani'aka huwal-abtar.
Indeed, the one who hates you is the one cut off.
Background: when and why it was revealed
Revealed in Makkah. Al-Kawthar, the shortest surah, is a gift and comfort to the Prophet ﷺ: Allah has given him abundant good.
One day the Prophet ﷺ dozed for a moment, then lifted his head smiling and said a surah had just been revealed to him. He recited Al-Kawthar and explained that Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise his Lord has promised him (Sahih Muslim 400).
Virtues
- Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise promised to the Prophet ﷺ. (Sahih Muslim 400)
Tajweed tip
- Hold the ghunnah (nasal sound) on the doubled noon in “Inna” for two counts.
When to recite it
- In Salah
- When you feel sad or mocked
What we learn from Surah Al-Kawthar
Allah gives generously
Allah gave the Prophet ﷺ abundant good.
Thank Allah through prayer
We show thanks by praying and giving.
Don't worry about haters
Allah defends those who serve Him.
Frequently asked questions
How many verses are in Surah Al-Kawthar?
Surah Al-Kawthar has 3 verses.
What does Surah Al-Kawthar mean?
Surah Al-Kawthar means “Abundance”. Al-Kawthar, the shortest surah, is a gift and comfort to the Prophet ﷺ: Allah has given him abundant good.
Was Surah Al-Kawthar revealed in Makkah or Madinah?
It was revealed in Makkah.
When should I recite Surah Al-Kawthar?
In Salah, When you feel sad or mocked.
References & sources
Quran references link to Quran.com and hadith references to Sunnah.com, so you can check every source. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us and we will correct it.
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