Surah Asr (The Time) – Full Arabic, Translation, Transliteration & Benefits
Surah Asr (سورۃ العصر) also known (Suratul Asr) is the 103rd chapter of the Holy Quran. With only 3 verses, it is one of the shortest yet most powerful Surahs in the Quran. Revealed in Makkah, this Surah is a profound wake-up call about the value of time and the conditions for true success in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said about Surah Asr:
“By time, indeed mankind is in loss…” — this Surah is enough for the guidance of the entire humanity if they ponder over it.
On this page of Faiz e Islam, you can read Surah Asr with beautiful Arabic text, easy Roman transliteration, accurate English translation, and detailed explanation of its benefits and virtues. This short Surah carries a lifetime of guidance in just three verses.
Surah Al Asr Overview
| Suratul Asr Ayats | Surah Al Asr Words | Surah Asr Letter | Surah wal Asr Ruku |
| 3 | 14 | 72 | 1 |
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Full Surah Al-Asr – Arabic, Transliteration & English Translation
Verse 1 Arabic: وَالْعَصْرِ Transliteration: Wal ‘Asr English: By time,
Verse 2 Arabic: إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ Transliteration: Innal insaana lafee khusr English: Indeed, mankind is in loss,
Verse 3 Arabic: إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ Transliteration: Illal lazeena aamanoo wa ‘amilus saalihaati wa tawaasaw bil haqqi wa tawaasaw bis sabr English: Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.
History and Background of Surah Al-Asr
Surah Al-Asr is a Meccan Surah revealed in the early period of Prophethood in Makkah. It was revealed at a time when the Muslims were few in number and facing severe persecution from the Quraysh.
This Surah is considered one of the most comprehensive chapters of the Quran despite its brevity. According to a famous narration, when two companions of the Prophet ﷺ met, they would not part until one of them recited Surah Asr to the other.
Imam Ash-Shafi’i (رحمه الله) said:
“If the people pondered over Surah Al-Asr alone, it would be sufficient for them.”
The Surah takes its name from the word “Asr”, which means “Time” or “The Afternoon”. It swears by time itself to emphasize how precious and fleeting every moment of our life is.
Benefits and Virtues of Surah Al-Asr
Surah Al-Asr is widely regarded as one of the most important and profound chapters in the Holy Quran despite its brevity. In just three verses, it delivers a complete formula for success in this world and the Hereafter. This Surah serves as a powerful reminder about the value of time and the conditions necessary for a meaningful and successful life.
Regular recitation of Surah Al-Asr increases a believer’s awareness about the fleeting nature of time and helps prevent the waste of precious moments on useless activities. Many scholars throughout Islamic history have strongly recommended reciting this Surah daily, particularly after Fajr and Maghrib prayers. It acts as a spiritual safeguard that protects from loss in the Hereafter and motivates believers to lead a purposeful and productive life. The Surah is also excellent for deep reflection and self-accountability.
The greatest virtue of Surah Al-Asr lies in the clear guidance it provides for human success. The final verse outlines four essential conditions that together form a complete program for a successful Muslim life: having strong faith (Iman), performing righteous deeds, advising one another to hold onto the truth, and encouraging mutual patience during difficulties. These four principles encompass the entire essence of a believer’s journey.
This short yet extremely powerful Surah is particularly beneficial for those who wish to improve their time management, productivity, and overall spiritual growth. Its concise message continues to inspire millions of Muslims to live consciously and strive for eternal success.
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