Pond of Abundance

In Islam, the Pond of Abundance or Pool of Kawthar (Arabic: حَوْضُ ٱلْكَوْثَرِ, romanized: Ḥawḍ al-Kawthar[2]) refers to a pond or river that exists in Paradise. The traditional Muslim belief is that on the Day of Judgement, when people will be resurrected, they will rise in great thirst and be eager to quench it in an atmosphere of chaos. Then, Muhammad would be the one privileged by God to respond to the pleas of believers to quench their thirst by offering them a cool and refreshing drink from the pond.

Diagram of "Plain of Assembly" (Ard al-Hashr) on the Day of Judgment, from an autograph manuscript of Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Sufi mystic and Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi, ca. 1238. Shown are the 'Arsh (Throne of God), pulpits for the righteous (al-Aminun), seven rows of angels, Gabriel (al-Ruh), A'raf (the Barrier), the Pond of Abundance, al-Maqam al-Mahmud (the Praiseworthy Station; where the prophet Muhammad will stand to intercede for the faithful), Mizan (the Scale), As-Sirāt (the Bridge), Jahannam (Hell), and Marj al-Jannat (Meadow of Paradise).[1]

Origin of the concept

The Quran refers to the situation in Surah Al-Kawthar, but several exegetes maintain that the reference in the Surah is to the general abundance granted to Muhammad.[3][4] In any case, the concept has come to be identified with the special reverence for Muhammad in comparison to other Prophets and Messengers of God.

This concept also exists in Christianity in John 7:37–38.[5]

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water'.

Implications

The pond's general implication is that it motivates Muslims to be conscious of the Day of Judgement and its severity and accordingly to plan to improve their afterlife. It also motivates them towards love of Muhammad and promoting the view that the events around the Day of Judgement require belief in the unseen and are highly metaphysical in nature.

See also

References
  1. Begley, Wayne E. The Garden of the Taj Mahal: A Case Study of Mughal Architectural Planning and Symbolism, in: Wescoat, James L.; Wolschke-Bulmahn, Joachim (1996). Mughal Gardens: Sources, Places, Representations, and Prospects Dumbarton Oaks, Washington D.C., ISBN 0884022358. pp. 229–231.
  2. Houtsma, M. Th. (1993). E. J. Brill's First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936. BRILL. p. 835. ISBN 90-04-09790-2.
  3. Tadabbur-i-Quran by Amin Ahsan Islahi - exegesis available here
  4. Exegesis by Javed Ahmad Ghamidi
  5. "John 7:37 on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink".


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