Sūrah 107
Sūrah al-Mā‘ūn
Introduction to this pair
Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics. The first sūrah mentions the charge sheet of crimes of the leadership of the Quraysh, particularly of Abū Lahab, while the second one declares their deposition from the custodianship of the Baytullāh because of these crimes.
It is evident from their topics that the first sūrah was revealed as the final warning to the Quraysh in Makkah and the second as a great glad tiding to Prophet Muḥammad (sws) of the future in the phase of migration and acquittal (hijrah wa barā’ah) of his preaching mission.
Sūrah al-Mā‘ūn is directed at the Quraysh, and its theme is to inform their leadership, in particular Abū Lahab, of the doom that has been destined for them because of their crimes.
Sūrah al-Kawthar is addressed to Muḥammad (sws), and its theme is to give glad tidings that the custodianship of the Baytullāh shall now be transferred to him, and his enemies shall be totally routed from the face of the earth.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful.
Have you seen the person who denies the Day of Judgement? He it is who shoves the orphan and urges not the feeding of the poor.
So, devastation is for these [priests of the Baytullāh] who pray being unmindful to the essence of their prayers. These who put up a pretentious display [of worship] and are not prepared to lend even ordinary items of common use to others.