وَٱلْعَصْرِ 1
Translations
By time,
Transliteration
Wa-al-'asr
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah swears by Al-'Asr (the declining day/time/epoch), which classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret as a reference to the passage of time and its fleeting nature. This oath emphasizes the preciousness of time and serves as an introduction to the surah's central message about human loss and salvation, drawing the reader's attention to the gravity of what follows regarding how one spends their temporal existence.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Asr is a Meccan surah revealed during the early Islamic period. This opening ayah employs the rhetorical device of oath (qasam), a powerful Quranic technique to emphasize the importance of the message that follows. The surah's brevity and profundity made it beloved among the Companions, with scholars noting its comprehensive nature despite its conciseness.
Related Hadiths
Imam Ash-Shafi'i said: 'If people reflected only upon Surah Al-'Asr, it would suffice them as guidance' (reported in various sources including Al-Suyuti's works). Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the value of time in Sahih Bukhari: 'There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that time is a precious resource entrusted by Allah, and every moment passes irretrievably; therefore, one must invest their time wisely in righteous deeds, seeking knowledge, and spiritual development to avoid the loss mentioned in the surah's main message.