Brief Info
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).
Synopsis of Contents
The Sūra declares that the Prophet (s) has been given abundance and grace and his enemies are the ones whose progeny will be cut off.
Some Lessons from the Sūra
1) Grace and abundance are from Allah.
2) Some blessings may not be apparent in a present moment, but Allah knows the future and eventual end of all things.
3) Do not despair at the taunting of enemies.
Suggested verses for memorization in Arabic and English
The entire Sūra.
Activities for self-study
Check https://en.wikishia.net/view/Sura_al-Kawthar.
What are some understandings of the word Kawthar?
Hadith
Every intended action that does not begin with Bismillah is ‘abtar’ (cut off i.e. does not achieve the actual goal of every action which is closeness to Allah).
Holy Prophet (s), Wasāʾil al-Shiʿah,v.4, p.1194
Sources
Āyatullāh Nāsir Makārim Shirazi (Ed.) Tafsir Namūne; https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-20/surah-shams-chapter-91; Ali Quli Qarai, The Qur’an With a Phrase-by-Phrase English.