# Surah Al-Asr (العصر) | UK Prayer Times

> Surah Al-Asr: The Afternoon. Surah al-Asr is one of the shortest surahs in the Quran yet Imam ash-Shafi'i said: 'If people were to ponder on this surah…

*Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/surah/al-asr · Page updated: 2026-07-17 · Independent, free UK prayer times.*

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Surah 103 of 114

# Surah Al-Asr

Quick Answer

Surah Al-Asr (العصر) is Surah 103 of the Quran — The Afternoon, 3 verses, meccan. UK Prayer Times provides the Arabic text, transliteration and English translation for each verse.

Last updated 17 July 2026

العصر

The Afternoon · 3 verses · Meccan

Surah al-Asr is one of the shortest surahs in the Quran yet Imam ash-Shafi'i said: 'If people were to ponder on this surah, it would be sufficient for them.' In just three verses it summarises the entire programme of human salvation.

Virtues & Benefits

-   Imam ash-Shafi'i: 'If people were to ponder on this surah, it would be sufficient for them.'
-   Summarises the four prerequisites of success: faith, righteous deeds, enjoining truth, enjoining patience.
-   A warning that all of humanity is at a loss — except those who meet these four conditions.

When to read

-   Imam ash-Shafi'i reported that the Companions would not part company without one of them reciting Surah al-Asr to the other (at-Tabarani).
-   Recited frequently as a reminder of time and its proper use.
-   Often memorised early because of its brevity and depth.

## Verses (3)

1

وَالْعَصْرِ

Wa l-'asr

By time,

2

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

Inna l-insana lafi khusr

Indeed, mankind is in loss,

3

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

Illa lladhina amanu wa 'amilu s-salihati wa tawassaw bi-l-haqqi wa tawassaw bi-s-sabr

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

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