Surah Al-Asr is among the shortest chapters of the Quran, consisting of only three verses. It is also among the earliest revealed chapters. The Quranic style, as described in Surah Hud, is to first establish firm principles and then elaborate upon them, originating from the All-Wise, All-Knowing. This lecture by Dr. Israr Ahmad explores the significance of Surah Al-Asr and its message of time, loss, and the importance of faith and righteous deeds.

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The Quran refers to Allah as 'Mawla'. Some people address respected scholars as 'Maulana' as a sign of reverence. This lecture clarifies that using the term 'Maulana' is not shirk (associating partners with God). The word 'Mawla' has multiple meanings: master, helper, and even a freed slave. It’s a term of respect, similar to addressing someone as 'my master', and its use is permissible. Both 'Maulana' (plural) and 'Maulvi' (singular) convey the same meaning: ‘our master.’ Showing respect to others is not an act of shirk.

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The text discusses the immense scale of future conflicts, referencing battles and wars described in prophetic traditions. It highlights a catastrophic war, described as ‘The Great Battle,’ characterized by widespread death and destruction. The area most affected will be the Arab world. The text emphasizes the severity of this coming conflict, predicting a level of carnage so extensive that even birds will be unable to find a place to land without stepping on corpses.

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Many of Dr. Israr Ahmad’s educated friends and acquaintances advised him to deposit his retirement funds in fixed-rate Defense Savings Certificates, believing it to be the most beneficial solution. He disagreed. This lecture explains the impermissibility of interest, even when deposited in seemingly permissible schemes. They have fixed their money and are consuming the profit, believing it to be permissible, which he identifies as a significant error. The profit derived is direct interest – *haram* – and not a permissible form of trade or investment.

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A nation claims to believe in God, the Prophet, the Quran, and Sharia, yet fails to fully implement it. Partial adherence is deemed worse than outright rejection. The Quran, specifically Surah Baqarah verse 85, warns that selective acceptance of divine law leads to severe punishment. Those who choose this path face disgrace in this world and intense torment on the Day of Judgment. This lecture emphasizes the necessity of complete submission to the entirety of Sharia for true faith and salvation.

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Dr. Israr Ahmad discusses the Islamic ruling on property dealers charging fees from both the buyer and seller, or from both landlord and tenant. He asserts that taking fees from both sides is *haram* (forbidden). The dealer should only take a commission from one party to incentivize securing the best possible deal for that client, whether a lower rental price or a better sale price. This approach ensures fairness and ethical conduct in property transactions.

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