Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

On page 35, Allah provides guidance for various aspects of life. Regarding orphans, believers are advised to work honestly on their property. Mixing affairs with orphans is acceptable if done with good intentions, as Allah discerns between mischief and good intentions. The prohibition against marrying idolatresses is emphasized, with the reminder that a believing slave is better than a free idolat...

On page 34, Allah declares that Jihad, holy fighting for Allah's cause, is ordained for Muslims, even though they may dislike it. Allah knows what is good for them, even if they are unaware. The question arises about fighting in the Sacred Months, and it is emphasized that preventing people from following the way of Allah, disbelieving in Him, obstructing access to Al-Masjid-Al-Haram, and driving...

On page 33, Allah reminds the Children of Israel of the numerous clear signs and revelations they were given. Changing Allah's favour, such as renouncing Islam for disbelief, brings severe punishment from Allah. The life of this world may appear attractive to disbelievers, and they mock those who believe. However, those who obey Allah and avoid forbidden actions will be elevated above the disbelie...

On page 32, Allah discusses different types of people among mankind. Some individuals may speak pleasing words in this worldly life, calling upon Allah to witness their sincerity, yet they are among the most quarrelsome opponents. When they turn away, their actions lead to mischief, destruction of crops, and harm to livestock, which Allah dislikes. Those who persist in arrogance and crime, despite...

On page 31, Allah instructs about the well-known months for Hajj, which are the 10th, 11th, and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Those intending to perform Hajj should maintain piety, avoiding sin and disputes during this sacred journey. Allah is aware of all the good deeds performed during this time. Believers are advised to take provisions for the journey, with...

On page 30, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ instructs believers to fight in the Way of Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ against those who initiate hostilities but cautions against transgressing limits, as Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ does not favour transgressors. The believers are encouraged to combat those who fight against them and to repel aggression. The severity of causing disorder (Al-Fitnah) is emphasised, and it is con...

On page 29, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ mentions the rulings related to fasting and marital relations during the night of fasting. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ permits intimate relations with wives during the nights of fasting, emphasising the concept of mutual enjoyment and understanding. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ acknowledges the past shortcomings of the believers, granting forgiveness upon repentance. Believers ar...

On page 28, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ mentions the obligation of fasting for the believers. Fasting, or As-Saum, is prescribed for them as it was for those who came before them, with the aim of fostering piety. The believers are required to observe fasting for a fixed number of days during the month of Ramadan. However, those who are ill or on a journey can make up for missed days later, and those who...

On page 27, Allah highlights that true righteousness is not merely about facing a particular direction in prayer. Still, it involves sincere belief in Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, the Last Day, the Angels, the Books, and the Prophets. Genuine righteousness is demonstrated through acts such as giving wealth to family, orphans, the poor, and those in need, performing prayers, giving zakat, and upholding co...

On page 26, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ emphasises the importance of following His guidance rather than unquestioningly adhering to ancestral practices. Those who reject divine wisdom are likened to deaf, dumb, and blind beings incapable of understanding. Believers are urged to consume lawful provisions with gratitude while prohibited from consuming dead animals, blood, pork, and sacrifices to idols. The...

On page 25, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ enlightens us with profound signs in the creation of the heavens and the earth, the rhythmic cycle of night and day, the purposeful ships sailing the seas, life-restoring rain, the diverse creatures on earth, and the orchestrated dance of winds and clouds. These are clear proofs for those with understanding. Yet, among humanity, some set up rivals to Allah عَزَّ وَ...

On page 24, Allah reassures believers about the reality of those who are killed in the Way of Allah, emphasising that they are not dead but living, though this may not be apparent to us. The verses also highlight that believers will be tested with challenges such as fear, hunger, and loss and encourage patience in facing adversity. Those who remain patient during calamities, acknowledging that the...

On page 23, Allah reaffirms the truth of the Prophet Muhammad's qualities mentioned in the previous scriptures, urging believers not to doubt. The verses emphasise the importance of facing the direction of Al-Masjid-Al-Haram (at Makkah) in prayers, signifying unity and obedience.  Believers are reminded to hasten towards goodness and maintain the right direction in their worship. The guidance emph...

On page 22, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ explains that the change in the Qiblah (prayer direction) from Jerusalem to the Kaabah in Mecca was a test for true believers. Allah, Who owns both the East and the West, guides whom He wills. Muslims are made a just and exemplary nation, witnesses over mankind. The change in Qiblah was heavy for some, but a guidance for those Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ guided. Allah, in...

On page 21, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ emphasises rejecting the call to adopt Judaism or Christianity, asserting that the true path is the religion of Ibrahim, characterised by pure monotheism. Muslims believe in Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, the scriptures revealed to various prophets, and make no distinctions among them.  The call extends to others to believe in the same truth, but Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ suffic...

On Page 20 of the Qur'an, Allah recounts the moment when Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'il were diligently laying the foundations of the Ka'bah. They prayed to Allah, asking Him to accept their service. The heartfelt supplication included a request for submission to Allah, the formation of a righteous nation from their descendants, guidance in pilgrimage ceremonies, and acceptance of repentance....

On page 19 of the Qur’an, Allah tells Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that Jews and Christians won't be pleased until he follows their religion. It emphasises that Allah's guidance is the true one. Those who believe in the given book are true believers; those who don't are losers. Further, the children of Isra’il are reminded of Allah's favour, and a warning about Judgement Day is given. The page reflects on P...

On page 18 of the Qur'an, Allah addresses disputes between Jews and Christians, emphasising that He will judge them on the Day of Resurrection. Those unjustly forbidding Allah's name in His mosques will face disgrace and severe torment. Allah, owning the East and the West, is sufficient for all needs. The false claim of Allah having offspring is rejected; everything in the heavens and the earth be...

On page 17 of the Qur'an, Allah reminds us that whenever a verse is abrogated or forgotten, He replaces it with a better or similar one. This emphasises Allah's limitless authority. The verses also assert that Allah alone holds dominion over the heavens and the earth, and there is no protector or helper besides Him. The verse challenges those who wish to question the Messenger, comparing it to the...

On page 16, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ recounts an incident from Prophet Sulaiman time when devils spread false teachings about magic. Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but the devils did, using angels Harut and Marut to spread magical knowledge as a trial. The magic caused discord between spouses, but harm or benefit only occurred with Allah's permission. Those practicing magic harmed themselves and exclude...

On page 15 of the Qur'an, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ addresses the concept of longing for the Hereafter and the behavior of different groups. Some claim a special place in the Hereafter but do not truly desire it due to their past deeds. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ is aware of the wrongdoers. The passage also highlights the Jews' excessive desire for a long life, wishing for a thousand years, but it won't save...

On Page 14, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ mentions how a book (Qur’an) was sent to the Jews, confirming their previous scriptures like the Torah and the Injil. Despite their past prayers for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, they disbelieved when he came. As a result, they incurred Allah's curse. It's unfortunate that they rejected what Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ revealed due to jealousy about His grace. This led to their...

On page 13 of the Qur'an, Allah provides important guidance. This page reminds us of a covenant where a community (Bani Isra’il) pledged not to shed the blood of their people or drive them from their homes. However, they violated this covenant by killing one another, assisting their enemies, and even ransoming captives they were not allowed to expel. Some of them believed in only a part of the Scr...

By reading page 12 of the Qur'an, we emphasise the greatness of Allah’s knowledge. Some among the Jews lack knowledge of the Book and rely on false desires. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ condemns those who alter the Book for personal gain and falsely assume a brief punishment in Hell. However, this assumption is baseless, as they cannot bind Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ with any covenant. Believers, on the other h...

On Page 11 of the Qur'an, Allah tells a story about a murder among the Children of Isra’il. They argued about it, but Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ revealed the truth in a miraculous way. He had them strike a dead man with a piece of cow, bringing him back to life to show his power. However, despite witnessing these miracles, some people's hearts remained hard as stones.  This story teaches us about differ...