There are some differences of opinions to the timing and contextual background of the revelation of Sura Al-Kawthar. However, the majority opinion is that this Sura was revealed in Makka some time before Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) 'Ascension' (Mi'raj).

Sura al-Kawthar was revealed at a time when Makkan pagans' persecution of Muslims was at its peak. With no business left, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was totally cut off from the community. Both his sons Qasim and Abdullah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہما) died early in their childhood during this time. The Pagans thought that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) had been ruined as he does not have any male children to carry forward his religion in future.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that as against the foolish understanding of Makkan Pagans, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has rewarded the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) much more virtue in both the worlds.

In addition, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is rewarded with the fountain of al-Kauther on the day of Judgment from which his Umma will drink. The water of this fountain will come from the river of Paradise, also named al-Kauther, which has been given to Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

There are many Ahadith narrated by over 50 Sahabah that mention both the fountain of al-Kauther and the river of al-Kauther in Paradise.

The people on the day of Resurrection will suffer from thirst. But the Muslim Ummah will gather in front of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) at this fountain and they will be provided water from it to drink. The water of this fountain will be cool, whiter than milk, sweeter than honey and will smell like musk. Al-Kawthar will be a very large fountain and the number of water jugs provided on it will be like the number of stars in the sky. Whoever drinks a glass of this water will never feel thirsty again.

Some of the pagans called the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) 'Abtar', ( meaning, a person who had been cut off from his roots). Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that the one who hates the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is himself Abtar.