Sūrat al-Kawthar, Episode 1.4 artwork
Quran for All Seasons

Sūrat al-Kawthar, Episode 1.4

  • S1E4
  • 17:48
  • May 5th 2020

This episode discusses the shortest sūra of the Quran, al-Kawthar, contrasting it to the previous sūra, Sūrat al-Māʿūn, and examining the fundamental difference between kawthar, abundance from God, and takāthur, vying in increase among human beings.

Quran for All Seasons

Contemporary Quranic Studies dedicated to holistic engagement with the Quran through scholarly and spiritual reflections upon the text. Quran for All Seasons draws upon the depth and breadth of the Islamic tradition to facilitate discussions of the Quran that transcend creedal and ideological divisions.

Hosted by Joseph Lumbard of the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the podcast provides an ongoing commentary on the Quran, what some might call a contemplation, or tadabbur, of the Quran. The first two seasons provide reflections upon the most frequently read and recited sūrahs of the Quran, such as the Fātiḥa, and the short ṣūrahs at the end of the Quran.  

Future seasons will delve into central Quranic Teachings and major Quranic Themes, with the occasional deep dive into the implications of a particular Quranic verse or even a particular word and podcasts that discuss issues central to the field of Quranic Studies. These will be complemented by episodes that examine the "Jewels of the Quran," those sūrahs and verses that are central Muslim devotional life and the understanding of the Quran.

The podcast is made possible by a generous grant from the Radius Foundation.