العصر

Al-'Asr

The Declining Day

3 verses

Context

A Meccan surah of 3 verses, Al-'Asr is one of the shortest in the Quran. Imam Ash-Shafi'i said that if people reflected on this surah alone, it would suffice them as guidance.

Main themes

Al-'Asr swears by time that mankind is in loss, except those who believe, do good deeds, enjoin truth upon one another, and enjoin patience upon one another.

Learning tip

This short surah is ideal for young children to memorize. Explain its four conditions for success: faith, good deeds, truth, and patience.

Listen to chapter - Al-'Asr

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بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1
وَٱلْعَصْرِ

By time,1

2
إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ

Indeed, mankind is in loss,

3
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

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