Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 135 views

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 247 en

    Uploaded by

    Ghada Alzaidy
    Al asr surah

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 247 en

    Uploaded by

    Ghada Alzaidy
    135 views3 pages
    Al asr surah

    Original Title

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 247 En

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Al asr surah

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    135 views3 pages

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 247 en

    Uploaded by

    Ghada Alzaidy
    Al asr surah

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 3

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr

    Description: To understand that this surah emphasizes the importance of utilizing time wisely.
    It points out to what can save mankind from loss in this world and the next.
    By Aisha Stacey (© 2014 NewMuslims.com)
    Published on 24 Mar 2014 - Last modified on 25 Mar 2014
    Category: Lessons >The Holy Quran > Explanation of Selected Passages

    Objectives:

    · To understand the meaning of Surah Al-Asr, one of the greatest surahs of the Quran.

    Arabic terms:

    · Hadith - (plural " ahadith) is a piece of information or a story. In Islam it is a narrative


    record of the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.

    · Sahabah - the plural form of oeSahabi,” which translates to Companions. A sahabi, as


    the word is commonly used today, is someone who saw Prophet Muhammad, believed in
    him and died as a Muslim.

    · Sabr - patience and it comes from a root word meaning to stop, detain, or refrain.

    · Sunnah - The word Sunnah has several meanings depending on the area of study
    however the meaning is generally accepted to be, whatever was reported that the
    Prophet said, did, or approved.

    · Haqq - truth. Al-Haqq (The Truth) is one of the names of Allah.

    Introduction
    Surah Al-Asr is the one hundred and third (103)
    surah of the Quran. It has been referred to as a
    matchless example of comprehensiveness because
    it explains in three brief verses the way to success
    and the way to ruin. Imam Ash-Shafi said that if
    people considered this surah well it would be
    sufficient in the way of guidance. A number of
    ahadith speak about the high esteem in which the
    sahabah held this surah. Accordingly whenever any
    two or more sahabi met they would not part company without reciting surah Al-Asr.[1]
    This web site will help you to learn, recite and memorise surah Al-Asr.
    http://www.mounthira.com/learning/surah/103-al-asr/

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 1 of 3 www.NewMuslims.com


    oeBy Al-’Asr (the time). Verily, man is [deep] in loss, except for
    those who believe and do good deeds, urge one another to the
    truth and urge one another to patience.” (Quran 103)
    This surah opens with admonition to humankind. Allah takes an oath by oetime” and
    declares that humankind is in a state of loss. Every single human being, whether man or
    woman, is in a state of loss. Except those who strive and do four things; believe, do
    righteous deeds, and recommend one another to truth, and to sabr.

    The meaning of Asr


    The simple translation for the word asr would be time. However asr has a much deeper
    meaning than another Arabic word meaning time, dhar. Dhar means time with no limits
    placed upon it, asr on the other hand means time that is limited; time that will come to an
    end. At a linguistic level one of the meanings of asr is something that is pressed or
    squeezed. Allah is swearing an oath by time, a time that is limited, a time that will end
    and a time that must be squeezed or pressed so that we, humankind, get as much from
    our limited time as possible.
    Allah is also asking us to reflect on the passage of time. Another meaning that is given
    to the word asr is the declining day, the time of the Asr prayer, when the day is winding
    down coming to an end. Allah is telling us that our time is short and limited and if we do
    not make the most of it we are surely the losers, verily, Allah says, we are in loss.

    The meaning of loss


    The Arabic word for loss is khusr and it is the opposite of profit thus also carrying the
    meaning of bankruptcy. In this context it could mean that humankind will lose their main
    capital for the Hereafter if instead of using this life to gain by faith and deeds they bargain
    it away with disbelief and sin.
    We are in danger of losing something very special, and that is a blissful life in the
    Hereafter. However before that great loss we will lose our closeness to Allah and thus our
    peace and tranquillity in this life. A loss of contentment can sometimes lead humankind to
    act treacherously, and to run headlong into trouble and strife. But Allah is constantly
    warning us and here He is once more saying, wait, think and save yourself. Save yourself
    by aiming to have four character traits.

    1. To Believe. To be saved from loss the foremost thing is to have the correct belief. It
    refers to belief with conviction and certainty.

    2. To do righteous deeds. The way in which we gain this certainty is by doing the actions
    that are pleasing to Allah; we demonstrate our belief through our actions or righteous
    deeds. We need to be counted among the good in this world. Our deeds must not be
    according to our whims and desires but according to the guidance of the Quran and the
    authentic Sunnah. We must do acts of obedience to Allah and abandon all that He has

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 2 of 3 www.NewMuslims.com


    forbidden.

    3. To encourage, recommend or connect to truth. In Arabic haqq. Allah is telling us to


    remind each other and encourage each other to be faithful to the truth, and to let it
    stand out clearly by striving for justice.

    4. To recommend one another to sabr is the fourth trait and establishing a commitment
    to haqq would not be possible without sabr. Being steadfast in following the
    commandments of Allah requires patience, staying away from sins requires patience,
    and not despairing in times of calamities requires patience. Ibnul Qayyim[2]
    explained that having sabr meant having the ability to stop ourselves from despairing,
    to refrain from complaining, and to control ourselves in times of sadness and worry.

    This surah advises those who believe to act collectively to strengthen their position in
    the Hereafter. It implies asking and inviting people to do righteous deeds and stopping
    them from falling into sin and disbelief.
    The revelation of this surah occurred during difficult times. The early Muslims had to
    contend with the oppression and surah Al-Asr gave them strength and confidence in the
    face of their trials and tribulations. It is perhaps for this reason that it was very dear to the
    sahabah and still is to those who try to lead righteous lives. Nowadays when a person
    finds himself in loss, his position can be turned around by following the succinct advice
    Allah gave to us in surah Al-Asr.

    Endnotes:

    [1] At Tabarani

    [2] Ibn Qayyim al jawziyyah, 1997, Patience and gratitude, English translation, United Kingdom, Ta
    Ha Publishers

    The web address of this article:


    http://www.newmuslims.com/lessons/247

    Copyright © 2011-2012 NewMuslims.com. All rights reserved.

    ajsultan

    An Explanation of Surah Al-Asr 3 of 3 www.NewMuslims.com

    You might also like