Surah Al-Asr

For parents & teachers

Teaching this surah

A good surah for slightly older children, because its message is something they can practice: believe, do good, remind each other of what is true and help each other be patient. The last ayah is long, so break it into four parts. Make it a family motto for a week and catch each other doing the four things. Teachers can use it as a class charter: it fits on one poster.

By age: Ages 5 and up. Younger children can learn the first two ayat.

About this surah

Al-Asr means "Time" (it is also the name of the afternoon prayer). In just three ayat Allah swears by time and tells us how not to lose out: believe, do good, and help each other to be truthful and patient. Tanzil lists it as revealed in Mecca. It is short, but it holds a whole way of life, which is why it is often called one of the deepest of the short surahs.