At this stage, it is useful to note the background to Al-Kawthar’s revelation. Notwithstanding a difference of opinion, many Qur’ānic exegetes maintain that this chapter was revealed as a response to al-‘Āṣ ibn Wā’il who called the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم”cut off”, when the Prophet’sصلى الله عليه وسلمson passed away.22 For instance, the exegesis known as Tafsīr Al-Jalalayn states:

“This was revealed regarding al-‘Āṣ ibn Wā’il, who called the Prophet [صلى الله عليه وسلم [abtar (cut off) when his son al-Qāsim died.”23

It was a source of huge pride and joy for a 7th century Arab to have a son. It was a means for being remembered and for one’s name and lineage to continue long after one’s death. Hence the death of the Prophet’sصلى الله عليه وسلمson was perceived to be a source of dishonour and shame in the Arab culture of the time.

According to authentic historical reports, al-‘Āṣ ibn Wā’il was one of many who attempted to denigrate the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلمin this way. Others included ‘Uqbah ibn Mu’ayt, Ka’b ibn Al-Ashraf, and Abu Lahab.

In response to such attacks, God revealed three verses to console, elevate, and advise the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم. It was narrated the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلمthat, despite the suffering endured by the loss if his son, he raised his head after a nap, and smiled. His companions asked him why he was smiling and he replied:

“Just now this chapter was revealed to me: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, We have granted you Al-Kawthar. Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). For he who hates you, he will be cut off.”24

The power of these three lines was able to change the perspective from focussing on what was taken away from the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم, to focus on what was given to him. It was able to transform the emotions associated with loss and suffering into emotions that made the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم smile.