Sūrat al-ʿAṣr is one of the shortest chapters in the Quran and consists of only three verses. Given its short verses, the majority of scholars believe that it was revealed in Mecca. Chronologically, it is considered to be the thirteenth chapter of the Quran, revealed after Sūrat al-Inshirāḥ (94). Its name – al-ʿAṣr – is taken from its first verse.
In this surah, the four most comprehensive principles needed for the salvation of a human being have been formulised. A unique point regarding this chapter is that during the time of the Holy Prophet, when the companions would meet one another and before they would depart, they would recite this chapter as a reminder and thereafter bid each other farewell.
The chapter, although short, provides a holistic outlook to the state of the human being in this world and also provides a guideline of how he should make the most of this limited, worldly life. The oath at the beginning of the surah is to emphasise the universal statement that all human beings are in loss because the passing of time wears out their life. However, in the third verse an exception is made: the only people who are not included in this general rule are those who: 1. Have faith. 2. Perform righteous deeds. 3. Advise one another to uphold the truth. 4. Advise one another to be patient.
[1] Nemuneh, 27/293. [2] Suyuti, 6/392.