Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Mu’minūn, verses 42–56, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains how Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent messengers to different nations throughout history, yet every nation that rejected its messenger was eventually destroyed. The verses then mention Mūsā عليه السلام and Hārūn عليه السلام, whom Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent to Firʿawn and his people with clear signs and authority. However, they responded with arrogance, refusing to believe in two men like themselves, and were ultimately among those who were destroyed. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ then gave Mūsā عليه السلام the Scripture so that the people might be guided, and mentions ʿĪsā عليه السلام and his mother Maryam عليها السلام as a sign, providing them with a place of safety and flowing water. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ then commanded the messengers to eat from what is good and righteous and reminded them that He knows all that they do. The verses emphasise that the religion of the messengers was one and that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ is their Lord, yet people divided the religion among themselves, with each group pleased with what it had. The passage then warns against being deceived by wealth and children, as worldly blessings are not necessarily a sign that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ is pleased with a person. These verses remind us of the unity of the message brought by the messengers, the danger of rejecting the truth and dividing the religion, and the importance of recognising that true success lies in following the guidance of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Mu’minūn, verses 27–41, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf continues with the story of Nūḥ عليه السلام and the events surrounding the flood. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ instructed Nūḥ عليه السلام to build the ship under His care and guidance, and when His command came, Nūḥ عليه السلام was instructed to take aboard pairs of creatures and those of his family who were not among those destined for destruction. When he and those with him boarded the ship, he was instructed to praise Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ for saving them from the wrongdoing people and to ask Him for a blessed place to land. The events of the flood were a clear sign from Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and a test for His servants. The verses then move to another generation and another messenger who called his people to worship Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone. However, the leaders among them rejected the messenger, questioned why they should follow a man like themselves and denied the resurrection after death. They dismissed the Hereafter, claiming that there was nothing beyond this worldly life, and accused the messenger of lying against Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The messenger turned to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and asked for His help, and Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ informed him that they would soon become regretful. Their rejection ultimately led to their destruction, and they became a warning for those who come after them. These verses remind us that the truth may be rejected by those who are attached to the life of this world, but the command of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will always prevail, and those who reject the truth will ultimately face its consequences.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Mu’minūn, verses 17–26, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the signs of the power and wisdom of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ found throughout His creation. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds us of the seven heavens, the rain He sends down in a measured amount, and how He brings forth gardens, fruits and crops from the earth. He also highlights the blessings found in livestock, from which people receive food, drink and many other benefits, as well as the means of transport provided on land and sea. These blessings are signs that should lead us to recognise the greatness and mercy of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The verses then turn to the story of Nūḥ عليه السلام, who called his people to worship Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone, reminding them that there is no deity worthy of worship besides Him. However, the leaders among his people rejected him, claiming that he was merely a man like them and accusing him of madness. Despite their rejection, Nūḥ عليه السلام remained firm and turned to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, asking Him for help against those who had denied him. These verses remind us to recognise the blessings around us, reflect upon the signs of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and remain firm upon the truth even when it is rejected by others.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Mu’minūn, verses 1–16, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the qualities of those who truly succeed. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ describes the believers as those who are humble and focused in their prayer, turn away from pointless speech, give zakāh and guard their private parts. They remain within what is lawful, fulfil their trusts and promises, and carefully maintain their prayers. These are the believers who will inherit Al-Firdaws and remain there forever. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf then explains the stages of human creation, from an extract of clay to a sperm-drop, then a clinging clot, a lump of flesh, bones covered with flesh, and finally another creation. This remarkable process is a sign of the power and greatness of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, who is the best of creators. The verses then remind us that every person will eventually die and that all will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection. These verses teach us that true success is not simply claimed, but is shown through sincere worship, good character, fulfilling responsibilities and living according to the guidance of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 73–78, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the weakness of those who are called upon besides Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, highlighting that they cannot create even a fly, nor recover anything that a fly takes from them. These verses demonstrate the complete weakness of both the one who seeks and the one who is sought, reminding us that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone possesses true power and might, yet people fail to recognise His greatness as He deserves. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ chooses His messengers from the angels and from mankind, and that He has complete knowledge of what lies before and behind His creation, with all matters ultimately returning to Him. The believers are then commanded to bow, prostrate, worship their Lord and do good so that they may attain success. They are also commanded to strive for Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ as they should, holding firmly to the religion of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام, a religion in which Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ has placed no undue hardship. The verses remind us of the honour of being chosen as Muslims and of our responsibility to establish the prayer, give zakāh and hold firmly to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. He alone is our Protector and the best of helpers.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 65–72, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the countless signs of Allāh’s power, mercy and authority over all creation. These verses remind us that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ has placed what is on the earth at the service of mankind, made ships travel through the seas by His command, and holds the heavens from falling except by His permission. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ is the One who gives life, causes death and will bring creation back to life, yet many people remain ungrateful for His blessings. The verses also remind us that every nation has been given acts of worship, and the Prophet ﷺ is instructed to call people towards his Lord with wisdom and remain firm upon the straight guidance. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will judge between people on the Day of Resurrection regarding the matters over which they differed, as He has complete knowledge of everything in the heavens and the earth. These verses warn against worshipping anything besides Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ without knowledge or evidence, and describe the rejection shown by those who turn away from His clear signs. They remind us to recognise the greatness of Allāh’s creation, follow His guidance and submit to the truth.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 55–64, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the certainty of the Day of Judgment, the ultimate authority of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, and the reward promised to those who remain firm upon faith. These verses describe how those who reject the truth continue in doubt until the Hour arrives unexpectedly, while Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will judge between all creation with complete justice. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights that the believers who have faith and perform righteous deeds will enter the Gardens of Pleasure, whereas those who deny the signs of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will face a humiliating punishment. The verses also mention those who sacrifice and migrate for the sake of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, assuring them of a beautiful provision and an honourable place in the Hereafter. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ promises His support for those who are wronged and reminds us of His signs throughout creation, including the changing of night and day and the revival of the earth through rainfall. These verses reaffirm that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone is the Ultimate Truth, the Owner of everything in the heavens and the earth, and the One worthy of all praise.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 47–54, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the certainty of Allāh’s promise and the importance of patience when facing rejection and opposition. These verses address those who demanded the punishment to be hastened, reminding them that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ never fails in His promise and that His timing is beyond human understanding. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights how many nations were given time despite their wrongdoing, but when they persisted in disbelief, they were ultimately seized and returned to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The Prophet ﷺ is reminded that his role is to clearly warn mankind, while those who believe and perform righteous deeds will receive forgiveness and honourable provision. The verses also explain that every messenger and prophet faced trials, and that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ removes the falsehood introduced by Shayṭān and firmly establishes His signs. These tests distinguish those with sincere hearts from those who reject the truth, while people of knowledge recognise the Qur’ān as the truth from their Lord and their hearts submit to Him. These verses remind us to trust in Allāh’s wisdom, remain firm upon faith and seek His guidance towards the straight path.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 38–46, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains how Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ defends and supports those who truly believe, while condemning treachery and ingratitude. These verses grant permission to fight only those who have been wrongfully oppressed and expelled from their homes for declaring, "Our Lord is Allāh." Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ protects places where His name is remembered, including monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, and promises victory to those who uphold His religion. The verses also describe the qualities of sincere believers who, when given authority, establish prayer, give zakāh, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ then reminds us of the nations who rejected their prophets, including the people of Nūḥ, ʿĀd, Thamūd, Ibrāhīm, Lūṭ, Madyan and Mūsā عَلَیْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَام, and how they were ultimately seized despite being granted time to repent. The ruined cities, abandoned wells and deserted palaces stand as lasting signs for those who reflect. These verses remind us that true blindness is not the blindness of the eyes, but the blindness of the heart that refuses to recognise the truth.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, verses 30–37, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the importance of honouring the sacred limits and symbols of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, as they are a reflection of true taqwā. These verses call believers to uphold Tawḥīd by avoiding shirk, idols and false speech, while submitting wholeheartedly to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ alone. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights that the rites of sacrifice were prescribed for every nation so that they may remember Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and recognise that He alone is worthy of worship. The verses also describe the qualities of the humble believers, whose hearts are filled with awe when Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ is mentioned, who remain patient through hardship, establish prayer and spend from what He has provided them. The sacrificial animals are among the symbols of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, providing benefit while serving as a means of worship and a way to feed those in need. Ultimately, Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds us that neither the meat nor the blood of the sacrifice reaches Him, but rather the taqwā and sincerity within our hearts. These verses remind us that the true value of every act of worship lies in sincere devotion, gratitude and obedience to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ.