Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

Page 318 - The Trial of the Golden Calf

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:90–98), where Prophet Hārūn عليه السلام warns the Children of Israel that the worship of the golden calf is nothing more than a test. He calls them back to the worship of Allah ﷻ, the Most Merciful, but they refuse, insisting they will remain devoted to the calf until Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام returns. On his return, Mūsā عليه السلام questions Hārūn عليه السلام before confronting the Sāmirī, who admits to deceiving the people. Mūsā عليه السلام destroys the calf and declares that Allah ﷻ alone is worthy of worship. These verses remind us of the dangers of deception, the importance of remaining steadfast upon Tawḥīd, and that true guidance lies in sincere obedience to Allah ﷻ

Page 317 - The Trial After Deliverance

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:77–89), where Allah ﷻ commands Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام to lead the Children of Israel by night and strike a dry path through the sea. By Allah’s mercy, they are saved from Fir‘awn and his army, while Fir‘awn and his soldiers are overtaken by the sea after following a path of arrogance and misguidance. The verses then remind the Children of Israel of Allah’s great favours upon them: He delivered them from their enemy, appointed a meeting at Mount Ṭūr, and provided them with manna and quails. Allah ﷻ warns them not to transgress after receiving His blessings, while also opening the door of forgiveness for those who repent, believe, do righteous deeds, and remain upon guidance. The passage then turns to a major test after deliverance. When Mūsā عليه السلام hastens to meet his Lord, his people are tested in his absence, and the Sāmirī leads them astray by producing a calf that they begin to worship. Mūsā عليه السلام returns angry and grieved, reminding them of Allah’s promise and exposing the foolishness of worshipping something that cannot speak, benefit, or harm. These verses show that being saved from hardship is also a test, and true success is to remain firm upon faith, gratitude, and obedience to Allah ﷻ.

Page 316 - The Power of Truth Against Tyranny

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:65–76), where Fir‘awn’s magicians challenge Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام with illusion and deception. By Allah’s command, Mūsā عليه السلام casts what is in his hand and exposes their magic as false, showing the clear truth over illusion. Witnessing this sign, the magicians immediately believe in the Lord of Mūsā and Hārūn عليهما السلام, despite Fir‘awn’s severe threats of punishment. Fir‘awn responds with arrogance and tyranny, but the magicians stand firm in their faith, choosing Allah ﷻ over worldly fear. The verses then contrast the fate of the disbelievers and the believers, reminding that true success lies in faith, righteousness, and purification before Allah ﷻ.

Page 315 - The Debate Between Mūsā عليه السلام and Fir‘awn

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:49–64), where Fir‘awn questions Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام about his Lord. Mūsā عليه السلام replies by describing Allah ﷻ as the Creator who gave every living thing its form and guidance, and points to the many signs of Allah found throughout creation. Although Fir‘awn is shown clear evidence, he rejects the truth and accuses Mūsā عليه السلام of magic. He then gathers his magicians for a public contest, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of Allah's truth over falsehood. These verses highlight the contrast between truth and falsehood, showing that while arrogance rejects clear guidance, Allah's signs remain evident for those who reflect.

Page 314 - The Divine Preparation of Mūsā عليه السلام

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explores Surah Ṭā Hā (20:37–48), where Allah ﷻ reminds Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام of the countless favours He had bestowed upon him throughout his life. From protecting him as an infant and reuniting him with his mother to preparing him for prophethood, every stage unfolded according to Allah's perfect plan. Allah ﷻ then commands Mūsā عليه السلام and his brother Hārūn عليه السلام to go to Fir‘awn with His signs, instructing them to speak with gentleness. Despite their fears, Allah ﷻ reassures them with His promise: "Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see."