Transliteration:( Wal 'asr )
This verse was revealed in acknowledgment of the reply given by Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (رضي الله عنه) to Kara bin Umayyah, who questioned his decision to abandon wealth and status in favor of Islam. Kara remarked that Hazrat Abu Bakr, once an astute businessman, had chosen the love of the poor over the friendship of the wealthy and the worship of One Allah over multiple deities. Hazrat Abu Bakr replied, "A pious believer is never in a state of loss." This Surah, therefore, highlights the virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique and his unwavering faith, as explained in Tafseer Azizi.
The word Asr has various interpretations and signifies different aspects of time and moments. It is often associated with the middle prayer (Salaatul Asr), which holds great importance. Other interpretations include:
The best interpretation is the oath by the time of the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), a period greater in excellence than any other. It is described as a time of eternal blessings, not just for his Ummah but also for the followers of previous Prophets who benefitted from his intercession.
The Beloved Status of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
Allah Almighty takes an oath by the period, place, and age of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), signifying his exalted status as the greatest beloved of Allah.
The Elevated Status of Those Connected to Him
Anything or anyone associated with the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) becomes beloved and exalted. This includes the Noble Companions and his blessed household.
The Period of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as Khairul Quroon
The era of the Holy Prophet is termed as Khairul Quroon (The Most Exalted Period). It was a time of unparalleled blessings and bounties. Even though fewer people embraced Islam during that period compared to the millions of believers today, the value of that time remains supreme due to its proximity to the Prophethood.
1. By Al-`Asr. 2. Verily, man is in loss. 3. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience.
Malik narrated from Zayd bin Aslam that he said, “It is the evening.” However, the first view is the popular opinion. Thus, Allah swears by this, that man is in Khusr, which means in loss and destruction.
(Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds) So Allah makes an exception, among the species of man being in loss, for those who believe in their hearts and work righteous deeds with their limbs.
(And recommend one another to the truth,) This is to perform acts of obedience and avoid the forbidden things.
(And recommend one another to patience.) meaning, with the plots, the evils, and the harms of those who harm people due to their commanding them to do good and forbidding them from evil. This is the end of the Tafsir of Surat Al-`Asr, and all praise and thanks are due to Allah.
(103:1) By the time!
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[1985]- An oath in which Allāh swears by time throughout the ages.
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