Sūrat al-Kāfirun, no.109. Revealed in Makkah, 6 verses.
This Sūra was revealed in the early Makkan period when the Prophet (s) and the early Muslims were under a lot of pressure to abandon their mission or merge their beliefs with the polytheists. The Prophet (s) was firm and uncompromising.
Merits of reciting the Sūra
This Sūra has been given extraordinary importance in Hadith due to its strong content. It is recommended to recite this Sūra before sleeping as it is a disassociation from polytheism. Imam al-Sadiq (a) narrates from his father that after reciting this Sūra he would say ‘I worship only One God, I worship only One God’.
The Prophet (s) has said that the best companion to take on a trip who would be of great benefit is the recitation of al-Kāfirun, al-Nasr, al-Ikhlās, al-Falaq and al-Nās.
The Prophet (s) has also said: Whoever recites Sūrat al- Kāfirun is as if he has recited a fourth of the Quran. The rebellious Shayātin distance themselves from him, he will be free of polytheism, and he will be safe from the great fear (on the Day of Judgement).
Note: This reward will be for the one who absorbs the message of the Sūra and completely disassociates himself from polytheism.
Sūrat al-Kauthar, no.108. Revealed in Makkah, 3 verses. It is the smallest Sūra of the Quran.
When the Prophet (s)’s son died, the enemies taunted him and called him ‘abtar’. This was a name the Arabs at that time gave to someone who had no sons and was considered to have no progeny. The Sūra was revealed to give good tidings to the Prophet (s) that he would have abundance and grace.
Merits of reciting the Sūra
The Prophet (s) has said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Kauthar in his obligatory prayers will get to drink from the river of Paradise on the Day of Judgement and will be from the companions of the Prophet under the tree of Tuba.
Note: This blessed reward will be for those who understand the message of the Sūra and follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahlul Bayt (a).
Sūrat al-Mā‘ūn, No.107. Revealed in Makkah, 7 verses. It takes its name from the word Mā‘ūn in the last verse which means any form of assistance, kindness or charity.
It has been narrated by some that the cause of revelation of this Sūra was about Abu Sufyan who used to slaughter two large camels every day for his family and friends to eat. One day an orphan came and asked to have something from it. Abu Sufyan took his stick and hit him with it, telling him to get away. According to Tafsir Namūne these verses were revealed in condemnation of that action.
Merits of reciting the Sūra
Imam Muhammad al-Bāqir (a) has said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Mā‘ūn in his obligatory and Nawāfil prayers, Allah will accept his prayers and fasts, and will not take him into account for what he has done in the life of this world.
Note: This reward is for the one who understands the contents of this Sūra and stays away from that which is being condemned in it.
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Sūrat al-Infitār, No. 82. Revealed in Makkah, 19 verses. It takes its name from the verb in the first verse, a vivid description of what will take place on the Day of Judgment.
Merits of reciting the Sūra
Imam al-Sādiq (a) has said: Whoever recites these two surahs [al-Infitār and al-Inshiqāq] and reflects on them in his obligatory prayers and his Nawāfil prayers, there will be no veil between him and Allah and there will be no barrier between him and Allah. Continuously, he will see Allah [with the eyes of his heart] and Allah will see him [look at him with mercy] until he is free of the accounting of mankind.
Note: Such a great status is for the one who absorbs the contents of these Sūras and disciplines himself accordingly. It is not for those who only verbally recite it.