In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 31-36, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the commands of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ regarding proper conduct and modesty, especially when attending the masjid. The verses refute the practices of the idolaters who performed Tawaf around the Ka'bah while naked. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ instructs the believers to take adornment which refers to the clean and modest clothing—when attending the masjid and to avoid extravagance in their eating and drinking. The lesson highlights Allāh’s prohibition against self-imposed restrictions on food, drink, and clothing without divine authority. It also emphasises the dangers of arrogance, sin, and shirk, reminding believers of their accountability on the Day of Judgment. Those who adhere to righteousness will be free from fear and grief, while the arrogant rejectors will face eternal punishment in the Fire.

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif expounds upon Ayahs 22 to 30 of Surah al-A'raf, illustrating the immense mercy of Allah in stark contrast to the deceitful tactics of Shaytan. After Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام and Hawwa علیها السلام ate from the forbidden tree, their nakedness was unveiled, prompting them to cover themselves with leaves from Paradise. When Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ called out to them, reminding them of His divine command and the enmity of Shaytan, they humbly acknowledged their mistake, saying, “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves.”

This sincere act of repentance (Tawbah) highlights a crucial distinction between Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام and Shaytan. Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام recognised his mistake and earnestly pledged to never repeat it, whereas Shaytan, consumed by arrogance, refused to seek forgiveness. True Tawbah begins with a firm conviction and an understanding that disobedience ultimately harms oneself, not Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

Shaytan seeks to lead as many of the children of Prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌ السَّلام astray as possible, unwilling to bear the consequences of his actions alone. Muslims are reminded not to boast about their sins or engage in them publicly. Instead, they should strive to refrain from sinful behaviour, and when they do err, turn back to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in sincere repentance. It is important to note that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ does not command immortality, thus highlighting the difference between divine guidance and the deceptive promises of Shaytan.

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif highlights the profound honour granted to prophet Adam عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام , the first human being, as narrated in Surah al-A'raf, verse 11-21. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ commands the angels to prostrate to Adam, but Shaytan, filled with arrogance and envy, refused to obey Allah's command. He argued that his creation from fire made him superior to Adam عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, who was created from clay. This episode delves into Shaytan's reasoning and his subsequent defiance, showcasing how his misguided analogy led to his downfall.

Furthermore, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif discusses Shaytan's deceitful tactics as he sought to lead Adam عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and Hawwa astray in Paradise. He whispered lies, claiming that eating from the forbidden tree would grant them immortality and angelic status. This exploration highlights the themes of envy, arrogance, and deception, serving as a warning for us to be vigilant against Shaytan’s influences in our own lives.