Surah al-ʿAṣr

Meccan. Its verses are 3 (revealed after al-Sharḥ).

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

He swore by the time (al-ʿaṣr), which is the duration of the day and night, as it is the vessel for the actions of the children of Adam, whether good or evil.

Meaning: They are in a state of ruin and destruction.

They are the ones who have saved themselves from this loss through faith and the performance of righteous acts.

They enjoin one another to follow the truth—which is the religion—and they enjoin one another to be patient in obeying Allah and avoiding His disobedience.

{ وَالْعَصْرِ }

[1] By the ʿAṣr (Afternoon) Prayer: He swore by the Afternoon Prayer due to its excellence. This is evidenced by the Almighty’s saying: “And the middle prayer” (2:238)—which is the Afternoon Prayer, according to the codex of Ḥafṣah—and the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "Whoever misses the Afternoon Prayer, it is as if he has been robbed of his family and his wealth." Furthermore, the obligation of performing it is more difficult, as people are preoccupied with their trades, earnings, and livelihoods at the end of the day.

[2] Or, He swore by the evening (al-ʿashī): Just as He swore by the forenoon (al-ḍuḥā), because both contain signs of [Divine] Power.

[3] Or, He swore by Time (al-zamān): Because of the various wonders contained in its passage.

{ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ }

[1] "The human being": Refers to the entire genus (mankind).

[2] "Loss" (khusr): Meaning khusrān (ruin), just as one says kufr for kufrān (disbelief). The meaning is that people are in a state of loss regarding their "trade," except for the righteous alone. They purchased the Hereafter with the worldly life, so they profited and attained happiness. As for others, they traded in opposition to this, falling into loss and misery.

{ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ }

They enjoin one another to the established truth which cannot be denied. This is all that is good: the Oneness of Allah, obedience to Him, following His Books and Messengers, asceticism in this world, and desire for the Hereafter.

{ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ }

They enjoin one another to patience: refraining from sins, enduring acts of obedience, and bearing whatever trials Allah tests His servants with.

From the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): "Whoever recites Sūrat al-ʿAṣr, Allah will forgive him, and he will be among those who enjoin one another to the truth and enjoin one another to patience."