2. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord^[1] of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).^[2]

     3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

     4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)

     5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

     6. Guide us to the Straight Way.^[3]

     7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace^[4] , not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger ^[5] (i.e. those who knew the Truth, but did not follow it) nor of those who went astray (i.e. those who did not follow the Truth out of ignorance and error). ^[6], [7]

Al-‘Asr

{1} وَالْعَصْرِ

By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages),

{2} إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

Verily Man is in loss,

{3} إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

This chapter is great because it contains four things which lead to salvation in life and after death.These things are faith,good deeds, patience and counsel with right. Imam Shafee Allah’s mercy be upon him said:If it did not come down on people but this Surah is sufficient for them.