Surah Al-Asr 103:3

سُورَةُ العَصۡرِ · Meccan · Verse 3 of 3

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ

Translation

except for those who believe, do good deeds, urge one another to the truth, and urge one another to steadfastness.

English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.

Meaning and reflection

Wording

This verse, a profound exception in Surah Al-Asr, details the path to escaping the universal human state of loss. It is Allah speaking directly, outlining four essential qualities that distinguish those who find salvation.

The Foundation of Faith and Deeds

The verse begins by identifying "ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ" (those who believed and did righteous deeds). The wording emphasizes that faith (Iman) is not merely a mental assent, but it is explicitly followed and complemented by action. As Imam al-Razi points out, the conjunction "wa" (and) highlights that righteous deeds are a distinct, necessary component alongside belief, underlining that true faith must manifest in tangible, good actions.

The Power of Mutual Advising

Following faith and personal deeds, the verse introduces a communal dimension: "وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ" (and they mutually enjoined one another to truth and mutually enjoined one another to patience). The word "tawāsaw" (تواصوا) is particularly insightful. Its Arabic form denotes reciprocity and mutual action. It means they did not just advise others, but they *mutually* advised each other, creating a living community where everyone encourages the pursuit of these virtues.

The repetition of "wa tawāsaw" (and they mutually enjoined) before both "bil-Haqq" (to truth) and "bis-Sabr" (to patience) is a significant linguistic choice. As Ibn Ashur explains, this is a rhetorical device where specific, important elements are mentioned separately, even though they are technically part of the broader "righteous deeds." It elevates their status and underscores their critical importance. It tells us that merely believing and doing personal good deeds is not enough; one's salvation is also tied to their role within the community.

Enjoining Truth

"Al-Haqq" (الحق), the truth, is an expansive term here. Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur describe it as encompassing all that is good: monotheism of Allah, obedience to Him, following His messengers, and cultivating a detachment from worldly allurements for the sake of the Hereafter. Ibn Ashur further clarifies that "enjoining truth" includes teaching the realities of divine guidance, sound beliefs, and training the self and others to act upon good and forbid evil.

Enjoining Patience

Similarly, "al-Sabr" (الصبر), patience, is highlighted as a vital virtue. Al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn define it as patience in avoiding sins, steadfastness in performing acts of obedience, and enduring the trials Allah sends. Ibn Ashur elaborates that patience is the bedrock of all good character, requiring individuals to bear the difficulty of upholding truth, facing adversity, and resisting temptations for the sake of divine reward. The reciprocal "tawāsaw" for both truth and patience implies that these qualities must be a pervasive, mutual characteristic of believers, a constant state of shared encouragement and support, embodying what they advocate.

Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)

Worldly Mirror

After the solemn declaration that humanity is in profound loss, Surah Al-Asr offers a vital exception, outlining the path to true success. This verse, Allah's direct speech, speaks to believers, defining the qualities that rescue us from that universal state of loss. It's a blueprint for flourishing, individually and communally.

Foundations of Success

The journey begins with two deeply personal qualities: *Iman* (faith) and *Amal Salih* (righteous deeds). *Iman* is not just a mental assent; as Sayyid Qutb explains, it's a profound connection to the eternal reality of the Creator, expanding our perspective beyond our limited selves. It nurtures a sense of honor and responsibility, purifying our consciousness. This faith is the root from which all goodness springs. Following this, *Amal Salih* represents the natural fruit of this belief. It's the active, dynamic expression of faith, demonstrating our obedience to Allah in every aspect of life, as Dr. Israr Ahmad highlights. For us, this means reflecting: Does my belief reside merely in my heart, or does it actively manifest in my daily conduct and choices?

Mutual Responsibility

The verse then extends beyond the individual to our relationships and community with *Tawasu bil-Haqq* (mutually enjoining truth) and *Tawasu bis-Sabr* (mutually enjoining patience). This is where our personal journey becomes relational and social. It's not enough to merely be good; we are called to encourage goodness in others. The word *Tawasu* itself implies a collective bond, a shared commitment. Sayyid Qutb describes it as forming an "Islamic community," united in guiding humanity towards truth.

In practice, *Tawasu bil-Haqq* means we actively remind each other of what is unequivocally true and right, advocating for justice and virtue in all our interactions, from family to wider society. This extends to the vital role of *Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar*, enjoining good and forbidding evil, which Dr. Israr Ahmad emphasizes as the very mission of the Muslim community.

Steadfastness in Community

However, upholding truth in the world is not easy. As Imam al-Razi noted, truth is "heavy" and comes with trials. This leads to the final, crucial quality: *Tawasu bis-Sabr*. Mutual encouragement to patience is essential because the path of faith and active advocacy for truth is fraught with challenges, opposition, and setbacks, whether from personal struggles or societal pressures. This collective patience fosters unity and resilience, helping us endure difficulties and remain steadfast, as Sayyid Qutb profoundly explains. It reminds us that we are not alone in this struggle; we have companions who strengthen us and share the burden.

This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting our inner state, our relationships, and our communal role. It urges us to build lives and communities firmly rooted in faith and good deeds, actively calling to truth, and patiently enduring the challenges along the way.

Sources: Tazkirul Quran, Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)

Topics that discuss this verse

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