The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) dozed for a short while and raised his smiling. He either said to them(people) or they said to him: Messenger of Allah! Why did you laugh? He said: A surah has been revealed to me just now, and then he recited: “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious. Most Merciful. To thee We have granted the fount (of abundance)” up to the end. When he recited, he asked: Do you know what al-kauthar is? They replied: Allah and his Apostle know best. He said: It is a river which my Lord, the Exalted, has promised me( to grant) in Paradise: there is abundance of good and upon it there is a pond which my people will approach on the Day of Resurrection. There are vessels as numerous as stars(in the sky).
Hadith Commentary: The River of Abundance
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4747 describes the revelation of Surah Al-Kawthar and the Prophet's unique insight into its meaning. The Prophet's spontaneous smile upon receiving revelation demonstrates the profound joy and spiritual connection he experienced with divine communication.
Exegesis of Al-Kawthar
Al-Kawthar, meaning "abundance" or "plenty," represents a celestial river in Paradise granted exclusively to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Scholars interpret this as both a literal river and a metaphor for the endless spiritual blessings, knowledge, and followers granted to him until the Day of Judgment.
The vessels "as numerous as stars" symbolize the vast multitude of the Prophet's ummah who will drink from this blessed source. Each vessel represents an individual believer's capacity to receive divine grace through the Prophet's intercession.
Scholarly Insights
Classical commentators note that this hadith establishes the superiority of the Prophet's station in the afterlife. The pond (hawd) mentioned is distinct from the river itself - serving as a gathering point where believers will quench their spiritual thirst before entering Paradise.
The Prophet's question "Do you know what al-kawthar is?" demonstrates his role as teacher and interpreter of revelation. The companions' response "Allah and His Apostle know best" exemplifies proper etiquette when learning religious matters from those with superior knowledge.
Spiritual Significance
This narration offers profound comfort to believers, affirming that following the Prophet's guidance leads to eternal blessings. The imagery of celestial waters reflects the Quranic theme of Paradise containing rivers as rewards for the righteous.
From Kitab Al-Sunnah in Sunan Abi Dawud, this hadith emphasizes the reality of the Prophet's special status in the hereafter and the concrete nature of Paradise's blessings, countering metaphorical interpretations that deny their physical reality.