Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

Page 307 - Prophet Isa (AS) Speaks from the Cradle

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 27–40 of Surah Maryam, where Maryam returns to her people carrying her child and faces their accusations with patience and trust in Allah ﷻ. When they question her, she points to the infant ʿĪsā, and by the permission of Allah, he speaks from the cradle. He declares himself to be the servant of Allah, given Scripture and made a prophet. He is blessed wherever he may be, commanded with prayer and zakāh, and made dutiful to his mother, not arrogant or rebellious. Allah ﷻ then clarifies the truth about ʿĪsā, the son of Maryam, rejecting the false claim that Allah has taken a son. When Allah decrees a matter, He simply says “Be,” and it is. These verses remind us that Allah protects His righteous servants, truth will always stand clear, and every soul will return to Him on the Day of Regret.

Page 306 - The Trial of Maryam (AS)

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 16–26 of Surah Maryam, where Allah ﷻ tells us the story of Maryam and the great test she faced with patience and faith. Maryam withdraws from her family in seclusion, and Allah sends Jibrīl to her in the form of a man. Fearing Allah, she immediately seeks refuge in the Most Merciful, showing her purity and taqwā. Jibrīl gives her the news of a pure son, and when she wonders how this could happen, she is reminded that nothing is difficult for Allah. This child would be a sign for people and a mercy from Him. As Maryam carries this burden alone, the pains of childbirth drive her to a palm tree, where she expresses her deep grief and loneliness. Yet Allah ﷻ comforts her, providing a stream beneath her and fresh dates from the tree. These verses teach us that even in moments of fear, pain, and isolation, Allah’s mercy is near, His decree is perfect, and His help can arrive in ways we never imagined.

Page 305 - The Dua of Prophet Zakariyya (AS)

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 1–15 of Surah Maryam, where Allah ﷻ begins the Surah with a beautiful mention of His mercy towards His servant Zakariyyā. In old age, with his bones weakened and his hair turned white, Zakariyyā calls upon Allah privately, never losing hope in his Lord. Although his wife was barren and he had reached extreme old age, he asks Allah for an heir who would continue the legacy of prophethood and be pleasing to Him. Allah ﷻ responds with glad tidings of a son, Yaḥyā, whose name had not been given before. When Zakariyyā wonders how this could happen, he is reminded that nothing is difficult for Allah, the One who created him when he was nothing. These verses then introduce Yaḥyā as a child granted wisdom, purity, tenderness, taqwā, and obedience to his parents. He was not arrogant or rebellious, but a servant honoured by Allah. These verses teach us that sincere duʿā, even in impossible circumstances, is never wasted, and that the mercy of Allah can bring hope where all worldly means seem absent.

Page 304 - The Greatest Losers and True Success

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 100–110 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ brings the Surah to a powerful conclusion with reminders of the Hereafter, accountability, and sincerity. Allah ﷻ describes the disbelievers whose hearts were covered from His remembrance and who turned away from guidance. They are shown the reality of Hell and warned against taking others as protectors besides Allah. These verses also speak of the greatest losers: those whose efforts are wasted in worldly life while they believe they are doing good. Their deeds carry no weight on the Day of Resurrection because they rejected Allah’s signs and the meeting with Him. In contrast, those who believe and do righteous deeds are promised Jannatul-Firdaws as an eternal home. Allah ﷻ then reminds us that His words and wisdom are endless, beyond what the oceans could contain as ink. The Surah ends with a clear call to Tawḥīd: whoever hopes to meet Allah should do righteous deeds and worship Him alone. These verses teach us that true success is found in sincere faith, righteous action, and living with the meeting of Allah ﷻ in mind.

Page 303 - Justice, Power, and Responsibility

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 83–99 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ tells us the story of Ḏul-Qarnayn a  powerful leader. Allah ﷻ grants him authority and the means to travel across lands. Wherever he goes, he rules with justice punishing wrong doing and rewarding those who believe and do good. When he reaches a people threatened by Ya’jūj and Ma’jūj, he does not seek wealth or reward. Instead, he uses what Allah ﷻ has given him to protect them, building a strong barrier as a mercy. Yet even with all his power, Ḏul-Qarnayn recognises that everything is from Allah. He reminds us that all strength, success, and protection are temporary and that the promise of Allah will always come to pass. These verses teach us that true leadership is built on justice, humility, and recognising that all ability comes from Allah ﷻ.