Surahs Maa`oon-Kauthar

 

Quranic Exegesis

 

 

MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP

 

Both these surahs form a pair as far as the subject discussed in them is concerned. Surah Maa`oon mentions the crimes of the leadership of the Quraish, particularly Abu Lahab, while Surah Kauthar, on account of these crimes, declares their deposition from the custodianship of the Baitullaah.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Surah Maa`oon

The surah is directed at the Quraish, and its central theme, after a depiction of the crimes of their leadership particularly Abu Lahab, is to inform them of the doom which has been destined for them because of these crimes. It is evident from the contents of the surah that it was revealed in Makkah in the phase of migration and renunciation of the Prophet’s mission as a final warning for the Quraish. 

 

Surah Kauthar

The surah addresses the Prophet (sws) and its central theme is to give glad tidings to him that the custodianship of the Baitullaah shall now be transferred to him and instead of him, it will be his enemies who shall be totally humbled. It is evident from the contents of the surah that it was revealed in Makkah in the phase of migration as  glad tidings of the future.

 

EXPLANATION

 

Surah Maa`oon

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.

 

Seest thou one who denies reward and punishment [O Prophet!]. He it is who shoves the orphan and urges not the feeding of the poor.1

So woe be to these [priests of the Baitullaah] who pray being unmindful [to the essence] of their prayers; who put up a pretentious display [of worship], and are not even prepared to lend ordinary items of common use to others.2

 

Surah Kauthar

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.