Al Qur’an: Suratul Asr (103) & Al Humazah (Q104) SS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

The Quran is the holy book of Islam. It has 114 chapters called Surahs. Each Surah teaches Muslims important lessons about life and faith. In this lesson, we will study two short but powerful Surahs: Suratul Asr (Chapter 103) and Surah Al-Humazah (Chapter 104). These Surahs were revealed in Makkah before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) moved to Madinah. Even though they are short, they contain deep wisdom about how to live a good life and what behaviors to avoid.

Part 1: Study of Suratul Asr (Chapter 103)

Text and Translation

Suratul Asr has only three verses:

1. “Wal-‘Asr” (By time)
2. “Innal-insāna lafī khusr” (Indeed, mankind is in loss)
3. “Illal-ladhīna āmanū wa ‘amilus-sālihāti wa tawāsaw bil-haqqi wa tawāsaw bis-sabr” (Except those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience)

Meaning of the Name

“Asr” has two main meanings:

1. Time or the passage of time
2. The late afternoon prayer (Salatul Asr)

Allah swears by time to show its importance and value in our lives.

Reasons for Revelation

Scholars say this Surah was revealed to teach Muslims the real formula for success in life. It shows that most people waste their time and end up in loss. The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not leave a gathering without reciting this Surah to remind each other of its message.

Main Themes and Lessons

1. The Value of Time: 

   Allah swears by time, showing its great importance. Time is one of our most precious resources. Once time passes, we can never get it back. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.”

2. The State of Humanity:

   The second verse says that all humans are in a state of loss. This means that just living, working, and collecting things without faith and good deeds leads to loss and emptiness. Many people spend their lives chasing money and fame but still feel empty.

3. The Four Keys to Success:

   The third verse gives four conditions to escape loss and achieve true success:

a) Faith (Iman): Believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and destiny.

  b) Good Deeds (Amal Salih): Doing actions that please Allah, such as prayer, charity, honesty, and kindness.

  c) Advising Each Other to Truth (Tawasaw bil-Haqq): Encouraging others to follow the truth, reminding them of their duties to Allah and other people.

   d) Advising Each Other to Patience (Tawasaw bis-Sabr): Reminding each other to be patient in worship, avoiding sins, and facing life’s challenges.

Special Features of Suratul Asr

1. It is short but comprehensive, covering the complete formula for success in this life and the next.
2. Imam Shafi’i, a great scholar, said: “If people thought deeply about this Surah, it would be enough for them as guidance.”
3. The Surah shows that individual faith is not enough. Muslims must also help each other stay on the right path through mutual advice and support.
4. It emphasizes that success requires both belief and action, not just one without the other.

Application in Daily Life

Muslims can apply Suratul Asr by:

– Valuing their time and using it wisely

– Strengthening their faith through prayer and reading Quran

– Doing good deeds regularly, even if they are small

– Encouraging friends and family to do what is right

– Being patient when facing difficulties

– Building communities where people help each other become better

Part 2: Study of Surah Al-Humazah (Chapter 104)

Text and Translation

Surah Al-Humazah has nine verses:

1. “Waylul-likulli humazatil-lumazah” (Woe to every scorner and mocker)
2. “Alladhī jama’a mālan wa ‘addadah” (Who collects wealth and counts it)
3. “Yahsabu anna mālahū akhladah” (He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal)
4. “Kallā layunbadhanna fil-hutamah” (No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher)
5. “Wa mā adrāka mal-hutamah” (And what can make you know what is the Crusher?)
6. “Nārul-lāhil-mūqadah” (It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled)
7. “Allatī tattali’u ‘alal-af’idah” (Which mounts directed at the hearts)
8. “Innahā ‘alayhim mu’sadah” (Indeed, it will be closed down upon them)
9. “Fī ‘amadin mumaddadah” (In extended columns)

Meaning of the Name

“Al-Humazah” refers to a person who backbites and insults others. The name comes from the first verse of the Surah, which condemns those who engage in such behavior.

Reasons for Revelation

Some scholars say this Surah was revealed about specific people in Makkah who used to mock the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers. Others say it refers to any person who has the bad qualities mentioned in the Surah: backbiting, excessive love of wealth, and making fun of others.

Main Themes and Lessons

1. Warning Against Backbiting and Mockery:

   The Surah starts by warning those who backbite others (talk badly about them behind their backs) and mock people to their faces. These actions hurt others and create hatred in society. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined backbiting as “mentioning something about your brother that he would dislike.”

2. Dangers of Materialism:

   The Surah criticizes people who are obsessed with collecting money and counting it. Islam does not forbid wealth, but condemns making wealth the main purpose of life. Real wealth is contentment, not having many possessions.

3. False Security of Wealth:

   Verse 3 points out that some people think their wealth will make them live forever or protect them from all problems. This is a false belief. Wealth cannot prevent death or guarantee happiness.

4. Consequences of Bad Actions:

   The Surah describes the punishment for those who persist in these bad behaviors. The fire of Hell (Al-Hutamah) is described as especially reaching the hearts, perhaps because the sins of backbiting and greed come from the heart.

Special Features of Surah Al-Humazah

1. The powerful warning at the beginning with the word “Waylun” (Woe), which indicates severe punishment.
2. The vivid description of the punishment, showing how serious these sins are in Allah’s sight.
3. The focus on sins of the tongue (backbiting, mockery) and heart (greed, pride), which are sometimes taken lightly by people.
4. The contrast with Suratul Asr: while Suratul Asr describes the path to success, Al-Humazah warns against the path to destruction.

Application in Daily Life

Muslims can apply Surah Al-Humazah by:

– Guarding their tongues from speaking ill of others

– Not making fun of people or looking down on them

– Using wealth for good purposes and not becoming obsessed with it

– Remembering that all wealth belongs to Allah and is a test

– Being grateful for what they have instead of always wanting more

– Treating others with respect and kindness

– Remembering that worldly possessions are temporary

Conclusion

Suratul Asr and Surah Al-Humazah, though short, contain powerful guidance for Muslims. Suratul Asr teaches that true success comes from faith, good deeds, promoting truth, and encouraging patience. Surah Al-Humazah warns against destructive behaviors like backbiting, mockery, and obsession with wealth.

These Surahs remind us that our time in this world is limited and we should use it wisely. Our words, actions, and how we use our wealth all affect our final outcome. By following the guidance in these Surahs, Muslims can work toward success in this life and the next, avoiding the behaviors that lead to loss and punishment.

Every Muslim should try to memorize these short Surahs and, more importantly, practice their teachings in daily life.