A Simple Guide to ISLAM
The Qur’an
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period. The title is derived from verse 7, which refers to those
people who fail to offer the least neighbourly help or charity.
This chapter draws our attention to the Day of Judgement, when
we shall be held responsible for all our good or bad actions. It also
deplores the ways of those who deny the Day of Judgement, treat
the helpless with contempt and lead arrogant, selfish lives. They do
not extend the slightest courtesy or kindness to their fellow human
beings, their hearts being empty of Faith.
The hypocrites may put on a pretence of doing good deeds, but
these hollow acts will not avail them. This chapter also warns those
who are ‘heedless in their prayer.’
Al-Kawthar (Abundance) 108
We have given you abundance. Pray to your Lord and
sacrifice to Him. He that hates you shall remain
childless (i.e., rootless)
This is the shortest chapter in the Qur’an, consisting of only three
verses. It was revealed at Makkah. The title is taken from the first
verse. Al-Kauthar is the name of a river which flows through
paradise, its water being reserved exclusively for God-fearing
Muslims. The disbelievers used to taunt the Prophet that he had no
son, and therefore he had none to uphold his religion after him.
But the Qur’an says that it was in fact the Prophet’s opponents
who were cut off from all future hope, in this world and the next,
while the Prophet was granted abundance by God.
