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.

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif explains that the Qur'an is a guide for believers and a warning for those who reject the faith, as detailed in Surah Al-A'raf, verses 1-10. He begins by discussing Allah's command to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, to convey the message without doubt or hesitation, drawing strength from the examples of previous Messengers who exhibited great patience. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ also warns of severe consequences for nations that denied their Messengers, leading to their disgrace in this life and punishment in the Hereafter.

Moreover, he addresses the Day of Resurrection, where everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will question each individual about their responses to His Messengers and the messages they received. This moment serves as a reminder of His justice, as every action—great or small—will be weighed fairly. The Qur'an's teachings will come forth to testify for or against individuals, reinforcing the significance of living righteously.

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif explains that the disbelievers are warned about the consequences of their denial and defiance against Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in verses 158-165 of Surah Al-An’am. They await signs of the Day of Resurrection, but it will be too late for them to believe when they witness these signs, such as the sun rising from the west and the appearance of Ad-Dajjal (the false messiah). At that moment, belief will not be accepted. Additionally, believers are reminded that good deeds are multiplied in reward, while sins are counted as they are.

Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif further explains that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ warns against the division within religion. The disbelievers who break into sects and argue over their beliefs are critiqued for straying from the true path. The Qur'an reminds us that true guidance comes from following the teachings of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Messenger without splitting into factions. The episode emphasises the urgency of sincere belief and righteous actions before it's too late.

In this episode, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif discusses the critical lessons found in Surah Al-An'am, verses 151-157, where Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ represent a direct command to the Prophet ﷺ, outlining essential prohibitions and obligations for all believers. Among the first commands is to avoid shirk as in associating any partners with Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. In these verses treating parents with respect and kindness is linked to success in this world and the hereafter. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ further forbids the killing of children due to fear of poverty, a practice prevalent among the pre-Islamic Arabs.

Immoral actions, both public and private, are strictly forbidden. The command to deal justly and fairly in all matters is another key message in these verses, along with the prohibition against cheating or deceiving others in financial dealings. Shaykh Ahsan emphasises that following these laws leads to salvation, while rejecting them leads to ruin. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ further affirms in these verses that the Qur’an is His final revelation, a clear guide and criterion for distinguishing right from wrong.

In this episode, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif explores Surah Al-An'am, verses 147-150, addressing the misconceptions of the idolaters, who argue that if Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ truly willed it, He would have guided them away from their shirk and false practices. They mistakenly believe that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ not preventing their disbelief indicates His approval of their actions.

This lesson further explores the fallacy of the idolaters' arguments, emphasising that Allah's guidance is given according to His will and wisdom, and His proof is perfect and undeniable. Through these verses, Shaykh Ahsan highlights that while Allah’s mercy is vast and encompassing, His justice ensures that those who persist in disbelief and defiance face the consequences.

In this lesson, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif examines Surah Al-An'am, verses 142-146, where Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ highlights His provision of cattle for human benefit, including their use for carrying burdens, producing milk, and providing food. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds us not to follow Shaytan’s footsteps by introducing false prohibitions and innovations like those of the pre-Islamic Arabs.

Shaykh Ahsan explains that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ calls for moderation in consumption, urging believers not to waste or indulge in extravagance, as this leads to physical and spiritual harm. Additionally, the episode addresses the misguided practices of the idolaters, such as dedicating certain livestock to idols and claiming that some animals could only be eaten by men, not women. The lesson concludes by reminding us of the mercy behind Allah’s prohibitions and how they are meant to protect humanity from harm.