Exegesis of Al-'Ašr (Q. 103)

In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful the Most Gracious...
He, upon him be peace, was asked about the interpretation of: {By the late noon (al-'ašr), verily humankind is in loss...} (Q. 103:1).
The {late noon} refers to the last part of the day and can refer to time.
That has an allegorical interpretation, and Allah knows best in kind.
The real meaning is that it refers to the time after the noon day.
And its interpretation doesn‟t refer to time itself, as some may say.
Though both can refer to time, and both times can be described as such.
It is the best of times, and the prayer is performed during this time much.
This interpretation of this swearing is allegorical in its denotation.
And Allah is Most Knowing and Wise, but this is the best interpretation.
The meaning of the swearing is like swearing by the dawn and nights ten.
Allah mentions their affair by emphasising their virtue and destiny within.
The {late noon} is after the noontime; and if it means time, its entire slot.
The prayers performed then are best, when performed early—swearing or not.
The interpretation of {loss} is: deficiency of what is good and correct.
Some people have no good, as Allah says: {is in loss} in that respect.
Everyone is devoid of victory if they do not perform, for Allah, good deeds.
Allah, the Glorified, says regarding them: {...except those who believe,
Do righteous deeds, and call one another to truth and patience}.
The avoiding major sins and disobedience is "belief‟s" interpretation.
{Do righteous deeds, and call one another to truth and patience} means:
Perform deeds for Allah—the best of actions by which their Lord is pleased.
"Calling them to truth" means: commanding them to obey what right is.
"Calling them to patience" means: commanding them to remain righteous;
And against what opposes that placed on them from hardship or ease:
And what afflicts them from the neglect of those who invalidate things;
As well as from the one who is not observant of the Lord of the creation;
As well as the scoffer and oppressive tyrant conquering with unjust subjugation.

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