Surah Al-Asr

The Time

Introduction

Name of Chapter and Reason for its Name

This chapter is called Surah Al-Asr and its name comes from the first verse where Allah swears by time.

Chapter Number

Surah Al-Asr is the 103rd chapter in the Quran.

Number of Verses

This chapter consists of 3 verses.

Place of Revelation

This chapter was revealed in Mecca.

Content

Important Concepts in this Chapter

Verses 1-3

Points towards those people who will suffer a loss and the way out. This chapter serves a short summary of the overall teachings of the Quran. It introduces the type of people who will suffer losses, and those who will be saved on account of their faith and sincere actions.

According to the Sunni Traditions

Benefits of Reciting this Surah

عن رسول‌ الله صلی‌الله علیه و سلم: من قرأ سورة والعصرغفرالله له و کان ممن تواصی بالحق وتواصی بالصبر

The Prophet of Allah said: “Whoever recites Surah al-Asr, Allah will forgive him and he will be considered among those who encouraged people towards the truth and encouraged them to be patient.” [6]

According to the Shia Traditions

Benefits of Reciting this Surah

الْحُسَینُ بْنُ أَبِی الْعَلَاءِعَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ الله قَالَ مَنْ قَرَأَ وَالْعَصْر فِی نَوَافِلِهِ بَعَثَهُ الله یوْمَ الْقِیامَةِ مُشْرِقاً وَجْهُهُ ضَاحِکاً سَنَةً قَرِیرَة عَینُهُ حَتَّی یدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ.

Husayn ibn Abi al-Ala narrates from Abu Abdullah: “Whoever recites Surah al-Asr in his recommended prayers, Allah will raise him on the Day of Judgement with a bright face, and he will be laughing constantly, and be overjoyed up until he enters heaven.”