Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 61-69, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf teaches key lessons on preparation of conflict, unity, and trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Believers are commanded to prepare for conflict with power, including skills like archery, and to spend in the cause of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ , with the promise of full repayment. When the enemy inclines towards peace, believers are urged to pu...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 50–60, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf describes the terrifying fate of disbelievers at the time of death, where angels strike their faces and backs, saying, "Taste the punishment of the blazing Fire." This punishment is a consequence of their rejection of Allāh’s guidance, highlighting the severity of disobedience. The angels' role in executing the command of Allāh...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 45-49, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores Allāh’s guidance to the believers on the virtues of steadfastness, patience, and reliance on Him during battle. The passage emphasises the importance of unity, obedience to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Messenger ﷺ. Believers are told to avoid disputes that lead to weakness in these verses. It contrasts the sincerity of t...

In this lesson of Sūrah al-Anfāl, verses 41-44, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf outlines the rulings for distributing ghanīmah (war spoils) and faʾy (wealth acquired without battle). One-fifth is designated for Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, the Messenger ﷺ, his relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers, emphasising fairness and integrity in handling wealth. At the Battle of Badr, Allāh’s favour was evident as th...

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 26-32, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds the believers of their past weakness and His blessings in transforming them into a strong and victorious community. Initially few, oppressed, and fearing persecution, they were granted strength, sustenance, and refuge in Al-Madīnah through His mercy. The verses emphasise the prohibition...

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 26-32, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds the believers of their past weakness and His blessings in transforming them into a strong and victorious community. Initially few, oppressed, and fearing persecution, they were granted strength, sustenance, and refuge in Al-Madīnah through His mercy. The verses emphasise the prohibition...

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 17-25, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights the intervention of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ in the victory at Badr, reminding believers that success is granted by His will, not their efforts. The Prophet’s ﷺ actions, like throwing sand, were made effective by Allāh’s power, serving as a test of gratitude and reliance on Him. Disbelievers are warned that their defeat wa...

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 9-16, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that during the Battle of Badr, the Muslims invoked Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ for help, and Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ responded by sending a thousand angels to support them. The angels’ presence was a sign of Allāh's mercy, strengthening the hearts of the believers and causing slumber to overcome them as reassurance. Allāh عَزَّوَجَل...

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 1-8, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf elaborates that this surah focuses on various aspects of the Muslim community's response to conflict, including the division of war spoils, qualities of true believers, and the importance of following the guidance of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Messenger ﷺ. It explains that the spoils of war belong to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Me...

In Sūrah Al-A‘rāf, verses 194-206, Allāh exposes the futility of idol worship, highlighting that idols are lifeless and cannot hear or respond to prayers. The verse challenges polytheists to invoke their idols, affirming that Allāh alone is the Protector and the Revealer of the Qur’ān. It also emphasizes the role of the Prophet ﷺ in forgiving, enjoining righteousness, and turning away from ignoran...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’raf, verses 188-194, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the importance of recognising that all benefit and harm are in the hands of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone. The Prophet ﷺ is reminded that he does not possess knowledge of the unseen or control over outcomes, and that his role is to warn and convey good news to those who believe. The lesson moves to discuss the creation of...

In this lesson of of Sūrah Al-Aʿrāf, verses 179-187, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights the themes of disbelief, divine decree, and the Last Hour. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ describes how many humans and jinn, despite having faculties like hearing and sight, fail to recognise the truth and are more astray than cattle. Their heedlessness leads them to Hell, as decreed by Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. He warns against...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A‘rāf, verses 172-178, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds us of the covenant taken from Ādam's descendants, where they testified to His Lordship, a testimony rooted in the Fitrah – the natural disposition to recognise Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ . This serves as a reminder on the Day of Judgement, refuting claims of ignorance or ancestral misguidance....

In this lesson of Surah Al-A’rāf, verses 163-171, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf narrates the story of a village by the Red Sea, where the Jews defied the command of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ by violating the sanctity of the Sabbath. They were tested with an abundance of fish on the Sabbath, which they deceitfully caught, leading to Allāh’s punishment, transforming them into monkeys. The village was divided into...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 159-162, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the righteous qualities of a group among the People of the Scripture. These individuals are characterised by their unwavering commitment to truth, nightly recitation of Allāh’s verses, and acts of prostration in devotion to Him. The verses praise their humility, sincerity, and steadfast belief in the revelations sen...

In this lesson of Surah Al-A’raf, verses 156-158, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf recounts the story where Prophet Musa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام  selected seventy men from the Children of Israel to seek Allah's forgiveness for their people’s sin of worshipping the golden calf. However, they made a bold request that displeased Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, resulting in their deaths from a violent earthquake. Prophet Musa عَل...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 150-155, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ describes the people of the Fire as being denied the blessings of Paradise, with their requests for water or food being refused. This is due to their rejection of faith and indulgence in worldly distractions. On the Day of Judgment, they will regret their actions and acknowledge the truth, but...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 144-149, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the profound lessons of the aftermath of the flood and its divine significance. These verses recount the resting of Nūḥ’s عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام ark on Mount Judi, symbolising Allāh’s mercy upon the believers and His justice upon the disbelievers. They also highlight the interaction between Nūḥ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and Allāh ع...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A‘rāf verses 138-143, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the trials faced by the Children of Israel after their miraculous crossing of the sea, highlighting their encounter with idol-worshippers and the impact this had on their faith. Despite witnessing Allah’s power, some among them requested idols, to which Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام responded by reprimanding them for their i...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 130-137, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf delves into the repeated signs and punishments Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent upon the people of Fir`awn in an attempt to humble them and turn them back to Him. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ first tested them with years of drought and famine but the people blamed Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his followers for their plight. As each new cal...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 115-129, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the confrontation between Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and Fir’awn magicians. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام allows the magicians to cast their spells first, and they create illusions that capture and terrify the audience. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ then commands Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام to throw his staff, which transforms into a serp...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 103-114, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the story of Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his mission to confront Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and his people with the message of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام is sent with clear signs, including his staff transforming into a serpent and his hand becoming radiant when he withdraws it from his cloak, demonstrati...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 96-102, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the consequences of rejecting faith and the blessings that come with belief in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ warns that if the people of the towns had believed and practiced Taqwa, they would have received blessings from the heavens and earth.  However, their rejection led to punishment. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥan...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 88-95, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the response of Prophet Shū’ayb’s عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام people when they rejected his call to monotheism. Their chiefs threatened to expel Shū’ayb عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his followers from the land unless they abandoned their faith and reverted to disbelief. Shū’ayb عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, however, emphasised his unwavering trust...

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Aʿrāf, verses 80-87, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the story of Prophet Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his people, focusing on their sinful behavior and ultimate destruction. Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام was sent to the people of Sodom to warn them against their corrupt practices, particularly their engagement in homosexuality, which had never been seen before among humanity. Despit...