1
وَالْعَصْرِ
Wa l-'asr
By time,
Surah 103 of 114
Surah Al-Asr
Quick Answer
Surah Al-Asr (العصر) is Surah 103 of the Quran — The Afternoon, 3 verses, meccan. UK Prayer Times provides the Arabic text, transliteration and English translation for each verse.
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العصر
The Afternoon · 3 verses · Meccan
Surah al-Asr is one of the shortest surahs in the Quran yet Imam ash-Shafi'i said: 'If people were to ponder on this surah, it would be sufficient for them.' In just three verses it summarises the entire programme of human salvation.
Virtues & Benefits
- Imam ash-Shafi'i: 'If people were to ponder on this surah, it would be sufficient for them.'
- Summarises the four prerequisites of success: faith, righteous deeds, enjoining truth, enjoining patience.
- A warning that all of humanity is at a loss — except those who meet these four conditions.
When to read
- Imam ash-Shafi'i reported that the Companions would not part company without one of them reciting Surah al-Asr to the other (at-Tabarani).
- Recited frequently as a reminder of time and its proper use.
- Often memorised early because of its brevity and depth.
Verses (3)
2
إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
Inna l-insana lafi khusr
Indeed, mankind is in loss,
3
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ
Illa lladhina amanu wa 'amilu s-salihati wa tawassaw bi-l-haqqi wa tawassaw bi-s-sabr
Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.