Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

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 ignorance. The lesson continues as Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام reminds them of Allāh's blessings, including their salvation from Pharaoh. Additionally, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf addresses the profound moment when Mūsa requests to see Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, leading to a divine display that causes him to fall unconscious, emphasizing Allāh’s unmatched majesty.

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 calamity befell them including the plagues of locusts, frogs, and blood, Fir`awn and his people promised to repent if the affliction was removed.  However, once the punishment was lifted, they broke their promises, continuing their defiance and disbelief. The ultimate punishment came when Fir`awn’s forces were drowned in the sea after they pursued the Children of Israel, who had been allowed to cross safely. The sea closed upon Fir`awn and his army, drowning them as a consequence of their rejection of Allāh’s signs. Meanwhile, the Children of Israel were granted the land promised to them, symbolising Allāh's support for those who are patient and obedient to Him. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, humility, and reliance on Allāh’s justice.

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 serpent and consumes all of the magicians’ illusions, proving their sorcery false.  Witnessing this undeniable miracle, the magicians fall into prostration and declare belief in the "Lord of Mūsa and Harun," even as Fir’awn accuses them of betrayal and threatens them with punishment. Fir’awn’s anger leads him to order the torture of the magicians, but they remain firm in faith, seeking Allāh’s mercy and preferring martyrdom. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام then turns to the oppressed Children of Israel, urging them to have patience and trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, who alone controls the earth’s destiny. Though they express frustration at their prolonged suffering, Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام reassures them that patience and reliance on Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will lead to victory. This passage highlights the triumph of faith and truth over falsehood and oppression.

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, demonstrating the truth of Mūsa’s prophethood. Fir’awn, however, reacts with arrogance, dismissing Musa’s miracles as mere magic. The verses describe Fir’awn’s attempt to weaken the message of Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام by portraying him as a powerful sorcerer whose intentions threaten the political and social order of Egypt.  Fir’awn’s chiefs suggest gathering magicians from across the land, confident that their skills can match or overpower Mūsa’s miracles. Fir’awn’s promises of rewards and honour for the magicians underscore his fear of losing authority. In agreeing to meet publicly, Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام accepts Fir’awn’s challenge, embodying trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. This lesson reflects on the futility of Fir’awn’s resistance against divine power and the consequences of rejecting truth out of arrogance and fear.

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 Ḥanīf highlights the example of past nations, such as the people of Prophet Yunus عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, who only believed after facing torment, and Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ spared them. The lesson stresses that no one is secure from Allāh's plan, and that rejecting guidance leads to the sealing of hearts. It also reflects on the importance of staying true to the innate faith (Fitrah) that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ has placed within every human being.