No, Surah Al-Asr is not about a time machine. The tafsir sources clearly indicate that "Al-Asr" refers to "time" itself, not a device for time travel.

Linguistically, "Al-Asr" (العَصْرِ) is a singular noun meaning "the time" or "the epoch." Tafsir Ibn Kathir states, "Al-`Asr is the time in which the movements of the Children of Adam occur, whether good or evil." It also mentions an interpretation as "the evening," but confirms the popular opinion is "time" generally.

The Surah begins with an oath by time (وَالْعَصْرِ), emphasizing its importance as a witness to human actions. This oath underscores the subsequent declaration that "Verily, man is in loss" (إِنَّ الإِنسَـنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ), with exceptions for those who fulfill specific criteria: belief, righteous deeds, mutual recommendation to truth, and mutual recommendation to patience. The focus is on human conduct within the span of their lives, not on manipulating time.

The anecdote of Musaylimah's attempt to mimic the Qur'an by composing nonsensical verses about a "Wabr" further highlights the divine eloquence and profound meaning of Surah Al-Asr, which speaks to the human condition and salvation.

📚 Sources: Classical tafsir (multi-source)