Benefits from Surat al-Asr

Question:
What are the benefits and lessons derived from Surat al-Asr?

Answer:
Answer: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, and may blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and all his Companions. Imam al-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "If Allah had not sent down any proof for His servants except this surah, meaning Surat al-Asr, it would have sufficed them." This is because Allah has decreed loss for every person except those who possess four characteristics. The first characteristic is: "who believed." The second characteristic is: "and did righteous deeds." The third characteristic is: "and enjoining each other to truth," meaning they conspire in what is right and forbid what is wrong. The fourth characteristic is: "and enjoining each other to patience." Because the one who commands good and forbids evil may suffer harm, so he is patient with that. If these four characteristics are present, the Muslim is saved from this loss. Thus, it is a great surah; despite its brevity and conciseness, it contains great meanings.