Surah Asr and its meaning with translation

Surah Asr, the Surah 103 of the Holy Quran, reveals the fact that all human beings are at a loss except those who have faith (believe in Allah) and do good deeds. Surah al Asr explicitly highlights the minimum requirements (faith, righteous deeds, urging truth, and urging patience) for an individual to succeed in this life and hereafter. This short and instructive chapter encapsulates the essence of time, human destiny, and the way to salvation. In this blog, we will comprehensively shed light on surah al asr meaning, its transliteration, translation, and lessons for us. 

Meaning Of Surah Asr

Before we go in depth of Surah Wal Asr, let's know the meaning of Surah Asr. The name of the chapter Wal Asr appears in the first verse.  Surah meaning in Arabic is a chapter and refers to the chapters of the Holy Quran. The word Al Asr means the time or more specifically time that is running out. The name of Al Asr prayer also indicates that it is offered when the time is running out and the day is toward the end. 

Basic Information About Al Asr Surah

Surah Al-Asr is one of the shortest chapters of the Holy Quran. Every believer should know about the chapters of the Quran. Below table will help you know the basic information about Al Asr Surah.

Surah Al Asr in Arabic 

The Holy Quran is a divine book and revealed in the Arabic transcript and it is obliged to recite it in the original language. The Arabic text of Surah Al Asr is mentioned below. 

Surah Al Asr Transliteration

Transliteration is the conversion of text from the original script to another language. Surah Al Asr transliteration will help you read the Arabic text in your own language. Here we provide Surah Asr transliteration in Roman English so that you can easily pronounce, read and memorize this chapter. 

Wal Asr, Innal Insaana Lafee Khusr,Illal Lazeena Aamanoo Wa Amilus Saalihaati Wa Tawaasaw Bilhaqqi Wa Tawaasaw Bissabr

Surah Asr Translation

The translation of the Holy Quran plays an important role in imparting the message of the divine book. Surah Asr Translation is equally important to understand the underlying meaning and message of this chapter. Here we provide you with Surah Asr in English translation. 

“(I swear) by the Time, man is in a state of loss indeed, except those who believed and did righteous deeds, and exhorted each other to follow truth, and exhorted each other to observe patience”.

Context Of Revelation Of Wal Asr Surah 

Al Asr Surah was revealed in the Makkan period when the Muslim community was facing significant hardship and persecution from the disbelievers of the Makkah. Allah encouraged Muslims through Surah Al-Asr to observe patience and uphold the truth under any circumstances. 

Successful People According TO Suratul Asr

Allah Almighty in Suratul Asr sworn an oath of the time and deliberately commences the loss of men. It mentions the loss of all humanity except those whose qualities have been mentioned in subsequent verses of Surah 103. Four types of people are mentioned in this chapter who will not face the great loss in this world and the world hereafter. 

Those Who Have Faith 

According to Asr Surah, faith is the means of success in both worlds. Faith is the firm belief in Allah and all His attributes, the Angels, the divine Books, the Messengers, destiny, and the Day of Judgment. 

وَ لٰـكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَ الْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَ الْمَلٰٓىٕكَةِ وَ الْكِتٰبِ وَ النَّبِیّٖنَۚ

Rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Books, and the prophets.(2:177)

Those Who Righteous Deeds

Surat al Asri proclaims that faith and righteous deeds go hand in hand. Those who are involved in doing righteous deeds are exempt from the loss. Virtuous deeds are the believer's manifestation to Allah and His commands. Faith leads to righteous deeds. 

Exhorting Each Other To Truth

Sura Asr mentions the trait of successful people as the urging truth to each other. It underscores the social responsibility of believers to uphold the truth and justice which are the foundation of the just and prosperous community and society. Surah Wal Asr encourages us not only to uphold truth but also emphasizes to preach others to do so. 

Exhorted Each Other For Patience

Patience is a virtuous trait in Islam, encouraging believers to accept and face any challenge wholeheartedly. Surah Wal Asr mentions patience as the characteristic of successful people. Patience is a prerequisite of chaos less and healthy society. 

Theme Of The Suratul Asr

Although Suratul Asr is a short chapter, it holds a profound message in its entirety. Allah has mentioned some entities in this chapter.

Time

Allah sworn an oath of the time in the Surat Asr. The word Wal Asr refers to the past, present and future. It not only refers to a long stretch of the past and future, but every moment passed becomes past and every moment we step is a future. The swear of the past time means that history of humans bear witness of those who refute Allah’s message and ultimately caused the loss to themselves. 

 Wal Asr also refers to the passing of time (present). The present shows that every moment is passing so fastly that even humans can’t notice it. Therefore, whatever good they did in the time, the better it will be. A good example of the time is given by a Muslim scholar (Mohammad Shafi). He says; The struggle of human beings is like one who is trying to sell ice. Ice melts away, so the quicker he sells, the more money he makes.

Human

The word Insaan is used for humans in the second verse of the Surah Aser. In this ayah, the word Insan has been used as a collective noun referring to individuals, a class, nations, and entire mankind. Surat al Asr states that all humanity is at loss except those who have faith and do good deeds. 

Believers 

Surah Al Asri reiterates the embrace of faith as the prerequisite to succeed in both the world. The Holy Quran defines believers as those who believe in Allah and all His attributes, the Angels, the divine Books, the Messengers, destination, and the Day of Judgment. 

Truth 

Surah al Asar categories those exhorting one another to truth as the successful people. The truth in this context is the quality of humans to uphold the commands of Allah and the Prophet SAW. It emphasizes that Muslim should not only stand with truth but also preach others to do so.

Patience 

The other concept which is enjoined on believers in Sura Asr is patience. Patience is to bear any situation and condition with Allah’s command. It is obliged on Muslims to uphold patience and exhort one another to patience. Allah says in the Holy Quran.

 “Surely, Allah is with those who are patient”.(2:153)

Lessons Of Asr Surah

Asr Surah provides a comprehensive guide to live a righteous life. This chapter underscores that faith is the foundation of success which leads to virtuous deeds. It mentions that without faith all kinds of good deeds have no value. Good deeds will only be accepted if committed with faith and in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet. Wal Asr Surah teaches us that time is precious and ultimately will pass. Only those who will utilize it in the right way will succeed. This chapter of the Holy Quran encourages us for community support by upholding truth and justice. Suratul Asr underlines patience as a key factor in constructing prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious society in which justice will prevail.

Conclusion 

Surah Asr is the small and profound chapter of the Holy Quran that encompasses the characteristics of people who will get salvation and those who will lose in this world and the world hereafter.  People with faith, righteous acts,  exhorting one another to truthand urging each other to patience are the prerequisites to exempt from the loss.