In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 37-40, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discussed how the disbelievers manipulated the sacred months, altering their sanctity to suit their desires, leading to further misguidance. This deception made their evil deeds seem justified in their eyes, yet Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ makes it clear that such actions only increase them in disbelief. The verses then shift focus to the believers, questioning their reluctance to strive in Allāh’s cause and warning against attachment to the fleeting pleasures of this world at the cost of the Hereafter. A severe admonition follows, stating that if they fail to fulfil their duty, Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will replace them with others, and their hesitation will not harm Him in the slightest. The lesson concludes with the profound moment of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه in the cave during the Hijrah, where the Prophet’s ﷺ unwavering trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reassured his companion. These verses highlight divine support and the ultimate triumph of Allāh’s word.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 34-36, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses Allāh’s عَزَّوَجَلَّ stern warning against corrupt religious leaders who exploit people's wealth unjustly and divert them from His path. The verses also condemn the hoarding of wealth without spending it in the way of Allāh, vividly describing the torment awaiting such individuals in the Hereafter as their hoarded gold and silver will be used to brand their bodies in Hell. Furthermore, Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ establishes the significance of twelve lunar months, highlighting four as sacred and commanding believers to uphold justice, avoid wrongdoing, and stand united against opposition, with the assurance that He is with the righteous.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 28-33, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the command barring polytheists from entering al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, highlighting how their impurity is both spiritual and ideological. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reassures the believers that any economic fears arising from this restriction will be alleviated by His divine provision. The lesson then covers the obligation of jizyah upon the People of the Book, clarifying its role in maintaining justice and order. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf also examines their theological deviations, such as the deification of scholars, monks, and prophets, and how these false beliefs echo past nations' errors. The passage concludes with a powerful affirmation that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ has sent His Messenger ﷺ with the truth to establish it over all falsehood.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 23-27, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the prohibition of taking disbelievers as allies, even if they are close family members, when they choose disbelief over faith. The verses emphasise that true believers prioritise Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, His Messenger ﷺ, and striving in His cause above all worldly ties, warning against preferring family, wealth, or comfort over obedience to Allah. The lesson also reflects on the Battle of Ḥunayn, where the Muslims initially relied on their large numbers but were overwhelmed, reminding them that victory comes only from Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. It highlights how Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent down His tranquility and unseen soldiers to aid the believers, demonstrating His power and support for the faithful. The passage ends with a reminder of Allah’s mercy, as He accepts repentance even after punishment, reinforcing that His guidance is granted to whomever He wills.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 16-22, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses how Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ tests the believers to distinguish those who sincerely strive for His cause, remaining loyal to Him, His Messenger ﷺ, and the believers without forming close alliances with others. The passage strongly rebukes the polytheists for maintaining Allāh’s mosques while openly rejecting faith, declaring their deeds worthless and their ultimate abode as the Hellfire. Instead, true custodians of the mosques are those who believe in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakāh, and fear none but Him. The verses also reject the idea that acts like providing water to pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque can be equated to true faith. True superiority in Allāh’s sight belongs to those who believe, emigrate, and sacrifice their wealth and lives for His sake. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ honours them with glad tidings of His mercy, approval, and everlasting pleasure in Paradise.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 7-15, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf delves into the conditions regarding treaties with the polytheists and their true intentions. He explains how the polytheists, despite appearing friendly, often act in betrayal, breaking their covenants and plotting against the believers. The verses emphasise that if they repent and uphold prayer and zakāh, they become brothers in faith. However, if they continue to defy their agreements and oppose the message, the believers are commanded to confront them. The lesson highlights the importance of loyalty to covenants, the call for justice, and the ultimate victory of truth, bringing comfort to the hearts of the faithful.

In this lesson of Sūrah At-Tawbah, verses 1-6, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the significance of the Surah’s revelation, highlighting its declaration of disavowal towards idolators and the end of their peace treaties with the Muslims. The verses outline that idolators who had agreements with the Muslims were given a four-month grace period, after which they were to be confronted unless they repented and embraced Islam. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan also explains the reason behind the absence of Bismillah at the beginning of this Surah and the critical message it carries regarding the purification of the Ḥajj rituals, including the prohibition on idolators performing Tawāf or Ḥajj. This lesson provides an in-depth reflection on the importance of upholding peace treaties, the call for repentance, and the necessity of implementing the pillars of Islam for the peace and safety of the Muslim community.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 61-69, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf teaches key lessons on preparation of conflict, unity, and trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Believers are commanded to prepare for conflict with power, including skills like archery, and to spend in the cause of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ , with the promise of full repayment. When the enemy inclines towards peace, believers are urged to pursue it, trusting Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ for protection.

The verses highlight Allāh’s favour in uniting the hearts of believers, transforming former enemies into brothers. Victory is tied to reliance on Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, not numbers, and the initial burden of enduring ten enemies was later eased. The treatment of prisoners of war is also addressed, with the Prophet ﷺ accepting the advice of Abū Bakr رضي الله عنه to forgive and ransom them, aligning with Allāh’s mercy and the new allowance of spoils of war for the Ummah