1. By the passing time (whose rotation bears witness to the affairs of mankind). Or By the Prayer of declining day (‘Asr, for this Prayer is the middle of all Prayers). Or By the declining time of the day, (when the sun, after shining for the whole day, presents the sight of its setting). Or By the holy era of the Prophethood of Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), the sole objective and the most coveted achievement of all ages historic as well as pre-historic, and of all times to come.

2. Indeed, man is at a loss (for he is losing his valuable lifetime),

3. Except for those who believe and do good deeds and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience (in the face of hardships and afflictions that are faced whilst preaching the Din [Religion] of truth).