Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

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 عَزَّوَجَلَّ regarding his son, affirming that righteousness, not lineage, determines true family. The narrative concludes with a powerful reminder of Allāh’s omniscience and the authenticity of the revelation given to the Prophet ﷺ, urging patience and trust in His divine plan.

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.