Quick Answer:
From the context of this chapter, it can be understood that it is in reference to the Lady Fatimah (‘a) and the reason behind this is that the lineage of the Prophet (ṣ) spread throughout the world through her children.
Detailed Answer:
The term Kawthar has a general meaning and that is something that possesses ‘great blessings and goodness’. When taken in the general sense, it can be applied to a great many things. Yet the Shia scholars have considered one of the clearest references of this term to have been the person of the Lady Fatimah (‘a). The reason behind this is that the chapter speaks in regards to how the disbelievers made fun of the Prophet (ṣ) and said that his lineage would be cut off (due to a lack of children). The chapter was then revealed and the first verse states: “Indeed We have given you Kawthar (abundance).”[1]
From the context of this chapter, it can be understood that it is in reference to the Lady Fatimah (‘a) and the reason behind this is that the lineage of the Prophet (ṣ) spread throughout the world through her children. This was a lineage that not only gave rise to the physical children of the Prophet (ṣ), but it also gave rise to his spiritual successors as well. These spiritual successors protected the values of Islam and its way of life, and they also helped to spread its message amongst the society of their time. This does not only include the Infallible Imams (‘a), but it also includes many scholars, preachers, and pious worshippers who were and are from the line of Fatimah (‘a).
It would be appropriate at this point to mention a discussion in regards to the commentary of this chapter by Fakhr Rāzī (‘a): The third opinion is that this chapter was revealed in response to those who criticized the Prophet (ṣ) for having no children. So, in reality, the chapter is saying that God will give him descendants who will remain until the end of time. We should consider how many of the Ahl al-Bayt were martyred and yet, in spite of this, the world is full of the Prophet’s (ṣ) descendants. This is while no one is left from the Banī Umayyah (who were the enemies of Islam) who traces his or her lineage from them. Then look and consider how many of our greatest scholars are from the Prophet’s (ṣ) lineage, such as Baqir, Ṣadiq, Rida, and Nafs Zakīyah.[2] [3] [4]
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