Paradise has the equivalent of ten times this world, what, then, must we think of what Allah has prepared there for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him? Al-Kawthar is thus a sign and an indication of the manifold blessings Allah has prepared for him, their continuity and increase, and his lofty and exalted rank. That river, al-Kawthar, is the greatest of the rivers of Paradise, with the finest, freshest, and sweetest water, and is the highest of them. This is because He used the definite article, which indicates the perfection and completeness of what is named.
This is like saying, “Zayd is the learned man; Zayd is the brave man,” meaning that no one is more learned or braver than he is. Likewise, His words:
“Indeed, We have granted you al-Kawthar.”
These indicate that He has granted him all goodness, complete and abundant. If any member of his community receives a share of it, that share comes through the blessing of following him and taking him as an example. Moreover, he, peace and blessings be upon him, receives a reward equal to that person’s, without diminishing the follower’s reward in any way. This points to Allah Most High granting him, in Paradise, the equivalent of the rewards of his entire community, without diminishing their rewards, for he is the means of their guidance and salvation.
The servant should therefore—indeed, must—follow him, take him as an example, comply with his commands, and perform abundant righteous deeds: fasting, prayer, charity, and purification, so that the Messenger may receive a reward equal to his. For when the servant commits forbidden acts, the Messenger misses out on a reward equal to that for the good the servant has neglected. If the servant commits what is forbidden while abandoning what is commanded, his burden of sin grows heavier and his salvation becomes more difficult, because he has both committed the forbidden and abandoned the commanded. But if he performs what is commanded while committing what is forbidden, he will be among those for whom intercession is made