Surah Al-Asr (ٱلْعَصْر) is a testament that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) can deliver a profound message even through the briefest surah of the Quran. This compact surah was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) in the Meccan period before he migrated to Madina. This Makki surah has only 3 verses and 1 ruku. It is the 103rd surah of the Quran. Surah Al-Asr is a microcosm of faith, encapsulating the essence of belief, action, and community in a mere three verses. It reminds mankind that all humans are at a loss, except those who follow the path of Allah.
Al-Asr confronts reader and places their attention on their everlasting destination. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) starts this surah with an 'oath of time' and presents readers with a stark reality that man is lost without guidance. It claims that all men are lost except those who do righteous deeds, join together to spread the truth, and stay patient irrespective of circumstances. These people follow the commands of their Creator and will be living in paradise, where the favors of Allah await them.
English
Ahmed Ali
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English
Ahmed Ali
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The surah starts with the oath of time, explaining its brief yet immense value. The theme of surah Al-Asr revolves around the critical importance of time and the dire consequences of wasting time. It highlights the fact that most people have misspent their lives and are on the journey of severe loss. This sheds light on how humans have limited time on earth. Everything happens at its appointed time. Whether it is a blessing that humans enjoy or a misery that takes over them, everything happens at the perfect time. Similarly, the final hour, i.e., the day of judgment, has a designated time.
This surah emphasizes the importance of using time wisely. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) beautifully summarizes the philosophy of life by explaining that only those people who believe in Allah and His message are on the righteous journey. Deeds are among those things that either make or break our relationship with Allah. Thus, good deeds are like a shield that protects its doers from the rotting hell.
The surah offers a clear roadmap to live a fulfilling and eternal life, and that is by being patient. Calamity can befall anyone, and it usually arrives without any forewarning. In such tough times, the person who is thankful and patient to the Almighty wins. For patient people, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has given the good news of blessings throughout the Quran. In essence, this surah is a powerful call to action, urging readers to make the most of their time on earth by embracing Islam and living a life filled with compassion and eternal faith.
Surah Al-Asr has been mentioned several times by the Prophet (ﷺ). This explains the significance that this chapter of the Quran holds. It is a complete set of guidance clarifying people on how to live life.
Abu Madinah al-Dārimī said: "When two Companions of the Prophet ﷺ would meet, they would not part until they had read Surah al-' Asr (103), and then they would give salam (and leave)." (Reference: Abū Dawud in Al-Zuhd, no. 417; Al-Ṭabarānī's al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, 5/215; Sunan al-Bayhaqī, 6/501.)
This narration highlights the virtues of surah Al-Asr. It is a compilation of blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has put for mankind in the Quran. This surah encourages readers to do as many good deeds as they can. The key to living a fruitful life is salivating to the Almighty and performing righteous deeds. Many scholars believe that reciting Surah Asr is like a ticket to Paradise as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will raise the reader while his eyes and face will be shining with light. Thorough recitation of any chapter of the Quran will pave the way to entering paradise. Thus, incorporate the message of Surah Al-Asr into daily life and see how it changes for the better.