In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥijr (verses 26–44), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the creation of humanity from clay and the unique creation of the jinn. These verses recount Allah’s command to the angels to prostrate to Adam, highlighting the obedience of the angels and the defiance of Iblees, who refuses out of pride. Iblees is warned of his expulsion and vows to mislead mankind, yet Allah assures that His chosen servants remain protected on the straight path. The verses emphasize the reality of temptation, free will, and accountability, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience and the mercy available to those who follow Allah’s guidance.
In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥijr (verses 16–25), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights the signs of Allah’s creation in the heavens and the earth. The verses describe the stars as a means of beauty and protection, the balance and provision in the natural world, and the divine regulation of life and sustenance. Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things, past and future, and He alone controls life, death, and inheritance. These verses remind us of the precision, wisdom, and care in creation, encouraging reflection on the signs around us and our dependence on the Creator.
In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Ḥijr (verses 1–15), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf delves into the early verses that affirm the Qur’ān as a clear and protected revelation. The verses address the disbelief and mockery of those who reject the message, highlighting the divine decree behind the rise and fall of nations. The Surah reminds that no community exceeds its appointed term and emphasizes that Allah sends messengers with truth, even though past peoples often ridiculed them. These verses showcase both the certainty of divine wisdom and the consequences of persistent denial.
In this closing passage of Sūrah Ibrāhīm, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains Allah’s warning that His delay in punishing the wrongdoers is not neglect but part of His perfect justice, a Day will come when hearts are empty with fear, and eyes fixed in horror. The verses remind humanity of past nations who ignored the truth and of the unbreakable promise that Allah’s justice will prevail. On that Day, the earth and heavens will be transformed, and every soul will be repaid for what it earned. The sūrah ends affirming that this Qur’an is a clear warning, calling people to recognise Allah’s oneness and reflect with understanding.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 35–41), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the heartfelt supplications of Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him). These verses highlight his prayers for the security of Makkah, the guidance of his descendants, and the protection of his family from idol worship. He asks Allah to make his progeny steadfast in prayer, to bless them with provision, and to forgive himself, his parents, and the believers on the Day of Judgment. This portion of the Surah emphasizes the power of sincere du‘ā’, the importance of spiritual legacy, and reliance upon Allah’s mercy and knowledge.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 23-34) Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains Allah’s vivid parable of the “good word” and the “bad word”, a powerful reminder of how faith and falsehood manifest in a believer’s life. The verses highlight the firm foundation of true belief, rewarded with eternal gardens of peace, contrasted with the instability and ruin of disbelief. Allah’s countless blessings, from the heavens, rain, and rivers to the sun, moon, and sustenance, are then recounted to remind humanity of His mercy and our duty to worship, give, and remain grateful before a day comes when no help or exchange will avail.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 19–22) Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores how Allah reminds humanity of His supreme power and ability to replace one creation with another, a truth that leaves no room for arrogance or disbelief. The verses then shift to the Day of Judgement, where the weak and the arrogant will face one another in regret, realising that worldly alliances offer no escape from Allah’s decree. Finally, Shayṭān’s speech exposes his deception and disassociates him from those who followed him, affirming that every soul bears the consequence of its own choice.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 13–18), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf reflects on how Allah describes the defiance of those who opposed His messengers and reminds us that Allah’s decree is always supreme. The arrogant rejecters of truth opposed their messengers, threatening them, plotting against them, and denying the signs of Allāh. Yet Allāh’s decree always prevails. The oppressors were destroyed, their homes reduced to ruins, and their deeds turned to ashes scattered by the wind, worthless before their Lord.
Through these verses, Allāh warns against pride and disbelief, while promising safety and honour to the believers who stand firm in faith. It is a clear reminder of the fate of tyranny and the triumph of steadfast hearts rooted in īmān.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 5–12), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains how Allāh reminds us of His immense favours through the story of Mūsā (ʿalayhi al-salām) and the Children of Israel - being saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny, the promise of increase for gratitude, and the severe warning for ingratitude. The verses also recount the response of past nations to their messengers: rejecting clear proofs, clinging to the false worship of their forefathers, and doubting the One who created the heavens and the earth. The messengers in turn affirmed their human nature, their dependence upon Allāh’s permission, and their absolute reliance (tawakkul) and patience in the face of harm. These āyāt highlight the timeless lessons of shukr, sabr, and tawakkul upon Allāh.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ibrāhīm (verses 1–4), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains how the Qur’ān was revealed to bring humanity from layers of darkness into the light of faith, by the permission of Allāh, the Exalted in Might and Praiseworthy. These verses emphasise Allāh’s complete ownership of the heavens and the earth, and warn of severe punishment for those who prefer the fleeting pleasures of this world over the Hereafter, and who mislead others from His path. The passage also highlights a universal principle of da‘wah: every messenger was sent speaking the language of his people, making the truth clear, with guidance and misguidance ultimately in the hands of Allāh, the All-Wise.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Raʿd (35–43), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf closes the sūrah with a powerful contrast between the eternal reward of Paradise for the righteous and the Fire awaiting the disbelievers. The verses reaffirm the Prophet’s ﷺ mission: to worship and call solely to Allāh without compromise, regardless of opposition. Revelation is shown to be clear, purposeful, and bound by Allāh’s will, with every decree written in the Master Record. The passage reminds that messengers before faced denial, yet Allāh’s promise always prevailed, for He alone determines outcomes. The sūrah concludes with a decisive declaration: the Prophet ﷺ is indeed a true messenger, with Allāh Himself as Witness and His Book as proof.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Raʿd (27–34), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf reflects on the arrogance of the disbelievers who demanded miraculous signs, while neglecting the greatest sign of all-the Qur’ān. These verses highlight that guidance and misguidance are solely in the Hands of Allāh, and that true peace of heart comes only through His remembrance. Believers who couple faith with righteous action are promised a blessed life and a noble return, while the disbelievers are warned of worldly trials and a far greater punishment in the Hereafter. The passage affirms that Allāh’s promise never fails, He sustains every soul, and none can protect those whom He abandons to misguidance.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Raʿd (19–26), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf contrasts the people of understanding, who recognise the truth of revelation, with those blinded to it. These verses describe the qualities of true believers: honouring their covenant with Allāh, maintaining family ties, fearing accountability, showing patience, establishing prayer, giving charity, and repelling evil with good. Their reward is eternal gardens where they will be welcomed with peace and honour. In contrast, those who break Allāh’s covenant, sever ties, and spread corruption earn His curse and the worst of abodes. The passage reminds us that worldly enjoyment is fleeting, while the Hereafter is the true and lasting home.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Raʿd (14–18), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf reflects on the futility of worshipping others besides Allāh, for all of creation submits to Him willingly or unwillingly. The verses draw striking contrasts between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, the blind and the seeing, reminding us that only Allāh is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Through the parable of rainwater and foam, Allāh illustrates that falsehood is temporary and fleeting, while truth endures and benefits humanity. The passage closes by contrasting the reward of those who respond to their Lord with the severe consequences awaiting those who turn away.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Raʿd (5–13), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf reflects on the arrogance of those who mock resurrection and demand punishment, ignoring the many signs already before them. These verses remind us that Allāh’s mercy is vast, yet His punishment is severe, and the Prophet ﷺ is only a warner while ultimate guidance rests with Allāh. The passage describes Allāh’s complete knowledge of the seen and unseen, His awareness of what lies within every womb, and His control over every matter. It establishes the principle that Allāh does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves, and illustrates His power through the fear and hope inspired by lightning, thunder, and clouds, all glorifying Him while He strikes with might whom He wills.
In this lesson of Sūrah Ar-Ra’d (1–4), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf reflects on how Allāh introduces His Book as the ultimate truth, though many reject it. The verses highlight His power over creation - raising the heavens without pillars, subjecting the sun and moon, spreading the earth, and pairing fruits of every kind. These signs call mankind to recognise His oneness, certainty of the Hereafter, and to use reflection and reason to arrive at faith.
In this lesson of Sūrah Yūsuf (103–111), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf concludes the sūrah by reflecting on the timeless lessons embedded in the story of Prophet Yūsuf عليه السلام. Despite the Prophet’s ﷺ tireless efforts, many people still reject faith, reminding us that guidance lies solely with Allāh. These verses emphasise the importance of pure tawḥīd, the danger of heedlessness despite countless signs, and the certainty of accountability. The passage highlights that every messenger was a human being sent with revelation and faced rejection until Allāh’s victory arrived. Ultimately, the story of Yūsuf is not a tale of fiction, but a true account filled with wisdom, guidance, and mercy for people of understanding.
In this lesson of Sūrah Yūsuf (verses 93–102), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf brings us to the moment of long-awaited reunion. Yūsuf (ʿalayhi as-salām) sends his shirt to restore his father’s sight, a symbol of mercy and healing after years of grief. Yaʿqūb (ʿalayhi as-salām) recognizes Allāh’s wisdom and welcomes his sons’ repentance, teaching us the power of forgiveness. Finally, the family gathers in Egypt, dreams are fulfilled, and Yūsuf reflects on Allāh’s subtle kindness throughout every trial. These verses remind us that with steadfast trust, sincere tawbah, and reliance on Allāh’s mercy, even the deepest wounds can be healed and long hopes fulfilled.
In this lesson of Sūrah Yūsuf (verses 87–92), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf unfolds the moment when despair gives way to divine relief. Yaʿqūb (ʿalayhi as-salām) urges his sons to continue searching, reminding them that none should lose hope in Allāh’s mercy. When they stand before Yūsuf (ʿalayhi as-salām), humbled by hardship, he reveals his true identity with grace. Instead of reproach, Yūsuf embodies forgiveness—declaring, “No blame will there be upon you today. May Allāh forgive you, and He is the most merciful of the merciful.”
These verses shine a light on the enduring hope a believer must carry, the blessings of patience and taqwā, and the beauty of pardoning others when power rests in one’s hand.
In this lesson of Sūrah Yūsuf (verses 80–86), Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf takes us to the emotional turning point of the story. Yūsuf’s brothers, unable to free Binyamīn, retreat into private discussion. The eldest brother vows not to leave Egypt without their father’s consent or until Allāh decides the matter. Back home, Yaʿqūb (ʿalayhi as-salām) meets the news with unshakable patience (ṣabr jamīl) and complete trust in Allāh, even as his grief over Yūsuf overwhelms him. These verses remind us of the power of steadfast faith, the importance of taking responsible action, and the comfort found in turning all sorrow and hope to Allāh alone.