Al-'Asr

Themes and purpose:

This Meccan surah opens with a solemn oath by Time to affirm the universal truth that all humankind is in a state of loss. Its sole purpose is to define the essential conditions for eternal success and rescue from this loss: faith, righteous deeds and mutual encouragement to truth and patience.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan according to the majority of commentators.

Context: The surah was revealed early in the Prophet’s mission to summarize the entire message in a concise, universal formula.

Chronology: It is counted as the 13th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Sharḥ and before al-ʿĀdiyāt.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known both as "Sūrat al-ʿAṣr" (The Time/Afternoon) and "Sūrat wa-l-ʿAṣr", based on the opening oath.

Virtue: The Companions used to recite this surah to each other before parting, recognizing its comprehensive summary of the entire faith.

Ayah Count: 3 ayahs (one of the shortest surahs).

Surah Overview:

• The Oath: Swearing by Time to affirm the severe and continuous loss suffered by all humankind. [1-2]
• Establishing the pillars of salvation that guarantee success: faith, righteous deeds, and mutual exhortation to the truth and to patience. [3]