Surah 103. Al-Asr

1.

CONSIDER the flight of time!¹

The term asr denotes "time" that is measurable, consisting of a succession of periods (in distinction from dahr, which signifies "unlimited time", without beginning or end: i.e., "time absolute"). Hence, 'asr bears the connotation of the passing or the flight of time - time which can never be recaptured.

2.

Verily, man is bound to lose himself

3.

unless he be of those² who attain to faith, and do good works, and enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity.

Lit., "man is indeed in [a state of] loss, except those....", etc.