ما معنى "رب العصر" الوارد في تفسير قوله تعالى "والعصر"؟

Scholars have differed regarding the meaning of "Al-Asr" in the Almighty's saying: "By Al-Asr." Some said it refers to time ( الدهر ) because of the lessons it contains, others said it refers to the Asr prayer, and yet others said it refers to the era of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Still others were of the view that what is being sworn by is "The Lord of Al-Asr," meaning Allah, the Exalted.