Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Al-Anbiyāʾ (21:11–24), where Allah ﷻ reminds us of the fate of the nations who turned away from His guidance and only recognised the truth when His punishment came. These verses show that this world was not created without purpose. Allah ﷻ establishes that truth will always overcome falsehood, and that He alone is worthy of worship. The angels worship Him constantly without pride or tiredness, while mankind is called to worship Him with sincerity and clear proof. These verses encourage us to reflect on the purpose of our lives, hol...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Al-Anbiyāʾ (21:1–10), where Allah ﷻ reminds us that the Day of Judgement is drawing closer, yet many people remain distracted by the life of this world. These verses show how past nations rejected the truth, made excuses, and doubted the messengers instead of accepting Allah’s guidance. Allah ﷻ reminds us that His messengers were ordinary people chosen to deliver His message, and that the Qur’an has been revealed as a reminder for all who reflect. These verses encourage us to learn from those who came before us, take the Q...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:128–135), where Allah ﷻ reminds us of the lessons found in the nations who came before and the signs left behind for those who reflect. Allah ﷻ teaches the importance of patience, remembering Him, and remaining steadfast in prayer. The Prophet ﷺ is reminded not to be distracted by the temporary attractions of worldly life, as the provision and reward of Allah ﷻ are far greater and everlasting. These verses remind us to trust in Allah’s provision, establish prayer in our homes, learn from the past, and hold firmly to His guid...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:115–127), where Allah ﷻ tells the story of Prophet Ādam عليه السلام. Allah ﷻ warns Ādam عليه السلام and his wife about Shayṭān, but Shayṭān deceives them into eating from the forbidden tree. After Ādam عليه السلام slips, he turns back to Allah ﷻ in repentance, and Allah accepts his repentance, forgives him, and guides him. Allah ﷻ then sends mankind to the earth and promises that whoever follows His guidance will never go astray or be miserable. However, those who turn away from the remembrance of Allah ﷻ will live a difficult life and will be raised blind on the Day of Resurrection. Thes...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:99–114), where Allah ﷻ reminds the Prophet ﷺ of the accounts of previous nations and confirms that the Qur’an is a divine reminder for all of humanity. Those who turn away from its guidance will carry a heavy burden on the Day of Resurrection, when every soul will stand before Allah ﷻ in complete humility. The Trumpet will be blown, the mountains will be scattered, the earth will become a level plain, and no intercession will benefit anyone except those whom Allah ﷻ permits. Allah ﷻ assures the believers who combine faith wi...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:90–98), where Prophet Hārūn عليه السلام warns the Children of Israel that the worship of the golden calf is nothing more than a test. He calls them back to the worship of Allah ﷻ, the Most Merciful, but they refuse, insisting they will remain devoted to the calf until Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام returns. On his return, Mūsā عليه السلام questions Hārūn عليه السلام before confronting the Sāmirī, who admits to deceiving the people. Mūsā عليه السلام destroys the calf and declares that Allah ﷻ alone is worthy of worship. These verses remind us of the dangers of deception, the importanc...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:77–89), where Allah ﷻ commands Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام to lead the Children of Israel by night and strike a dry path through the sea. By Allah’s mercy, they are saved from Fir‘awn and his army, while Fir‘awn and his soldiers are overtaken by the sea after following a path of arrogance and misguidance.

The verses then remind the Children of Israel of Allah’s great favours upon them: He delivered them from their enemy, appointed a meeting at Mount Ṭūr, and provided them with manna and quai...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:65–76), where Fir‘awn’s magicians challenge Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام with illusion and deception. By Allah’s command, Mūsā عليه السلام casts what is in his hand and exposes their magic as false, showing the clear truth over illusion. Witnessing this sign, the magicians immediately believe in the Lord of Mūsā and Hārūn عليهما السلام, despite Fir‘awn’s severe threats of punishment. Fir‘awn responds with arrogance and tyranny, but the magicians stand firm in their faith, choosing Allah ﷻ over worldly fear. The verses then contrast the fate of the disbelievers and the believers...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:49–64), where Fir‘awn questions Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام about his Lord. Mūsā عليه السلام replies by describing Allah ﷻ as the Creator who gave every living thing its form and guidance, and points to the many signs of Allah found throughout creation. Although Fir‘awn is shown clear evidence, he rejects the truth and accuses Mūsā عليه السلام of magic. He then gathers his magicians for a public contest, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of Allah's truth over falsehood. These verses highlight the contrast between truth and falsehood, showing that while arrogance reject...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explores Surah Ṭā Hā (20:37–48), where Allah ﷻ reminds Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام of the countless favours He had bestowed upon him throughout his life. From protecting him as an infant and reuniting him with his mother to preparing him for prophethood, every stage unfolded according to Allah's perfect plan. Allah ﷻ then commands Mūsā عليه السلام and his brother Hārūn عليه السلام to go to Fir‘awn with His signs, instructing them to speak with gentleness. Despite their fears, Allah ﷻ reassures them with His promise: "Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see."

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭā Hā (20:17–36), where Allah ﷻ shows Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام some of His great signs. Mūsā عليه السلام’s staff is transformed into a snake, and his hand is made to shine as a miracle, preparing him for the mission ahead. Allah ﷻ then commands Mūsā عليه السلام to go to Fir‘awn, who had exceeded all bounds in his wrongdoing. In response, Mūsā عليه السلام asks Allah to ease his task, grant him clarity in speech, and appoint his brother Hārūn عليه السلام to assist him. These verses highlight Mūsā عليه السلام’s humility, his reliance upon Allah, and his desire to remember and worship Allah abundant...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Ṭaha (20:1–16), where Allah ﷻ reminds us that the Qur’an was not revealed to cause hardship, but as a reminder for those who fear Him. The verses highlight Allah’s greatness, His perfect knowledge of all things, and His beautiful names and attributes.

The passage then begins the story of Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام, who was called by Allah in the blessed valley of Ṭuwā and chosen for prophethood. Allah ﷻ commands him to worship Him alone, establish prayer in remembrance of Him, and remain mindful of the coming Hour, when ever...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Maryam (19:77–98), where Allah ﷻ warns those who reject His signs and wrongly believe they will continue to enjoy wealth and status in the Hereafter. The verses remind us that no one knows the unseen except Allah and that every person will return to Him alone on the Day of Judgement.

Allah ﷻ explains that the false gods people worship will not benefit them and will instead turn against them. The passage then contrasts the fate of the believers and the disbelievers: the righteous will be honoured...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Maryam (19:64–76), where Allah ﷻ mentions that the angels only descend by His command and that He alone owns all that is before us, behind us, and between that. We are commanded to worship Him alone and remain patient upon His worship. The verses affirm the reality of resurrection, where mankind is reminded that they were created from nothing and will be brought back to life. On the Day of Judgement, all will be gathered, the arrogant will face punishment, and the righteous will be saved. Every soul w...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains Surah Maryam (51–63), where Allah ﷻ mentions the honour of His prophets and the reality of later generations. Allah ﷻ speaks about Prophet Mūsā (AS), chosen as a messenger, called near Mount Ṭūr, and supported by his brother Hārūn (AS) as a prophet. He also mentions Prophet Idrīs (AS), a man of truth whom Allah ﷻ raised to a high station. The prophets from the descendants of Adam, Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, and Ya‘qūb (AS) are described as humble, falling in prostration and weeping when Allah’s verses were r...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, the verses from Surah Maryam (41–50) are explained, where Allah ﷻ mentions the story of Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS), a man of truth and a prophet. He gently calls his father to Tawḥīd, asking why he worships idols that cannot hear, see, or benefit him, and invites him to the straight path with knowledge from Allah ﷻ. He also warns him against obeying Shayṭān and the punishment of Allah ﷻ. His father rejects him and threatens him, but Ibrāhīm (AS) responds with peace, promising to seek forgiveness and turning completely to Allah ﷻ. Allah ﷻ t...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 27–40 of Surah Maryam, where Maryam returns to her people carrying her child and faces their accusations with patience and trust in Allah ﷻ. When they question her, she points to the infant ʿĪsā, and by the permission of Allah, he speaks from the cradle. He declares himself to be the servant of Allah, given Scripture and made a prophet. He is blessed wherever he may be, commanded with prayer and zakāh, and made dutiful to his mother, not arrogant or rebellious. Allah ﷻ then clarifies the truth about...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 16–26 of Surah Maryam, where Allah ﷻ tells us the story of Maryam and the great test she faced with patience and faith. Maryam withdraws from her family in seclusion, and Allah sends Jibrīl to her in the form of a man. Fearing Allah, she immediately seeks refuge in the Most Merciful, showing her purity and taqwā. Jibrīl gives her the news of a pure son, and when she wonders how this could happen, she is reminded that nothing is difficult for Allah. This child would be...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 1–15 of Surah Maryam, where Allah ﷻ begins the Surah with a beautiful mention of His mercy towards His servant Zakariyyā. In old age, with his bones weakened and his hair turned white, Zakariyyā calls upon Allah privately, never losing hope in his Lord. Although his wife was barren and he had reached extreme old age, he asks Allah for an heir who would continue the legacy of prophethood and be pleasing to Him. Allah ﷻ responds with glad tidings of a son, Yaḥyā, whose name had not been give...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 100–110 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ brings the Surah to a powerful conclusion with reminders of the Hereafter, accountability, and sincerity. Allah ﷻ describes the disbelievers whose hearts were covered from His remembrance and who turned away from guidance. They are shown the reality of Hell and warned against taking others as protectors besides Allah. These verses also speak of the greatest losers: those whose efforts are wasted in worldly life while they believe they are doing good. Their deeds carry no weight on the Day of Resurrec...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 83–99 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ tells us the story of Ḏul-Qarnayn a  powerful leader. Allah ﷻ grants him authority and the means to travel across lands. Wherever he goes, he rules with justice punishing wrong doing and rewarding those who believe and do good. When he reaches a people threatened by Ya’jūj and Ma’jūj, he does not seek wealth or reward. Instead, he uses what Allah ﷻ has given him to protect them, building a strong barrier as a mercy. Yet even with all his power, Ḏul...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 71–82 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ reveals the deeper wisdom behind actions that seem confusing at first.
As Mūsā (AS) journeys with the righteous servant, he witnesses things that appear wrong a damaged ship, the killing of a boy, and a wall rebuilt without reward. Each time, he struggles to understand and questions what he sees.
But in the end, the hidden wisdom is revealed. What seemed harmful was actually mercy: protecting the poor, saving a family’s faith, and preserving a treasure for orphan...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 60–70 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ begins the powerful journey of Mūsā (AS) in search of knowledge. Mūsā (AS) sets out with determination, refusing to give up until he reaches his مقصد. Along the way, a small moment the loss of a fish becomes the sign that leads him to where he needs to be. There, he meets a servant of Allah  ﷻ, blessed with special knowledge. Despite being a Prophet, Mūsā (AS) approaches with humility, asking to learn. He is reminded that true knowledge requires patience...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 54–59 of Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah ﷻ highlights the nature of human beings and how they turn away, even after clear guidance. Messengers are sent to guide and warn, yet many choose to argue and mock the truth. Over time, this causes their hearts to become closed, making it harder for them to understand.  Even then, Allah ﷻ is Most Merciful. He does not punish people straight away. He gives time to think, return, and ask for forgiveness but that time will not last forever. These verses remind us to acc...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 45–53, where Allah ﷻ gives a powerful parable of the worldly life. He compares it to plants that thrive with rain but soon turn into chaff scattered by the wind. While wealth and children may adorn this world, the eternal value lies in good deeds that are pleasing to Allah. The Day of Judgment will reveal the true consequences of all actions, and the record of deeds will be laid bare, with no sin left unaccounted for. The wicked will regret their actions, as they realise they can ne...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains the powerful lesson from the story of two men in Surah Al-Kahf (verses 32–44). One man, blessed with wealth and resources, boasts of his superiority over a poorer companion, dismissing the possibility that his wealth could ever perish. However, his arrogance leads to his downfall when his gardens are destroyed, and he regrets not acknowledging the will of Allah. His companion, in contrast, remains humble and places his trust in Allah’s will. This story serves as a reminder to never become arrogant about worldly blessings and to alw...

In this episode of the Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 27–31 of Surah Al-Kahf. Allah ﷻ commands the Prophet ﷺ to hold firmly to the Qur’an, reminding us that His words never change and that true refuge is found only in Him. These verses emphasize the importance of patience and staying close to those who sincerely remember Allah, while avoiding distractions of worldly desires and heedlessness.

Allah ﷻ also clarifies that the truth is from Him, and each person has the choice to believe or disbelieve. The verses then contrast the severe punishment of the wrongdoers with the bea...

In this episode of the Tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 21–27 of Surah Al-Kahf. Allah ﷻ highlights the dispute over the number of the Youth of the Cave, showing that only Allah knows the truth. These verses teach us the importance of seeking knowledge with certainty and trusting in Allah’s will. They remind us to rely on Allah for guidance and to acknowledge that only He holds the knowledge of the unseen.

In this episode of the Tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 14–20 of Surah Al-Kahf. Allah ﷻ narrates the story of the Youth of the Cave, who, by placing their trust in Allah, sought refuge from the oppression of their people.. Allah's mercy protected them as they slept for many years, untouched by time. These verses remind us of the power of faith and the importance of turning to Allah during times of hardship. They encourage us to trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that our actions, guided by sincerity and reliance on Him, define our true success.

In this episode of the Qur'an Tafseer series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses 1–13 of Surah Al-Kahf. Allah ﷻ reveals the importance of the Qur'an, guiding us to uprightness and warning against false beliefs, such as the claim of Allah having offspring. The story of the Youth of the Cave, who sought refuge in Allah’s mercy and were protected in a deep sleep, reminds us of the power of faith and Allah's mercy. These verses encourage us to trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that our deeds define our success.

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (105–111). Allah ﷻ reminds us that His promises are always fulfilled—whether in victory, consequence, or mercy. The rise and fall of nations is tied to their actions: when people do good, it benefits them, and when they turn to evil, they only harm themselves.

These verses highlight how Allah ﷻ grants opportunities to return, yet warns that repeated disobedience leads to punishment. At the heart of it all is the Qur’an—guiding to what is most just and giving glad tidings of a great rew...

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (97–104). Allah ﷻ reminds us that guidance is from Him alone, and those who turn away cannot find any protector. The verses recount the story of Prophet Moses (AS) and Pharaoh, illustrating the consequences of disbelief and arrogance. Despite the clear signs and miracles granted to Moses (AS), Pharaoh rejected them, relying on his own pride. Allah ﷻ assures that the wrongdoers will face justice on the Day of Resurrection, while the believers who trust in Him will find guidance and mercy.

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (88–96). Allah ﷻ challenges humanity and the jinn to produce something like the Qur'an, emphasizing its miraculous nature. Despite the clear signs and the variety of examples presented in the Qur'an, many reject it in disbelief, demanding impossible miracles. These verses highlight the arrogance of disbelievers, who refuse to accept the message simply because it is conveyed by a human. Allah ﷻ affirms that He alone is the witness to truth and knows what is best for His creation.

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (78–87), where Allah teaches us to pray from when the sun starts to set until night, and to recite the Qur’an at dawn, a recitation that is always witnessed. Allah encourages extra night prayers and asking for His support in every step of life. He reminds us that truth always prevails over falsehood, His mercy brings healing to the believers, and His knowledge of the soul is beyond human understanding. These verses also highlight how humans respond differently to blessings and trials, and th...

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (66–77). Allah ﷻ continues to remind humanity of His mercy and power in guiding and protecting them. These verses emphasize the human tendency to forget Allah during times of ease, while turning to Him in times of hardship. Allah warns of the consequences of disbelief, ensuring that those who reject His signs will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. The episode also underscores that Allah’s plan for His messengers remains unchanged, as He protects and supports them against all odds.

In this episode of the tafsir series, Shaykh Dr. Ahsan Hanif explains verses from Surah Al-Isra (59–65). Allah ﷻ tells us that signs are sent as warnings, yet many people still deny them, just like earlier nations. The verses recall Iblis refusing to bow to Adam عليه السلام and his promise to mislead people through false hopes and distractions. Allah ﷻ makes it clear that Shaytan has no power over sincere believers and that real protection comes only from Him. In hardship people turn to Allah ﷻ, but in ease they often forget, these verses remind us to stay grateful, aware, and firm in faith.

In this episode of the tafsīr series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Sūrah Al-Isrāʾ (49–58), where Allah responds to those who mock resurrection, saying that even if they turn to bones or iron, He can resurrect them. Allah reminds us to speak kindly, avoid discord, and recognise that He alone controls harm and benefit. He decides mercy or punishment, and no wicked society will escape His justice before the Day of Judgment.

This episode of the tafsīr series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Sūrah Al-Isrāʾ (40-49), where Allah addresses the misconceptions of those who associate partners with Him. The verses highlight the absurdity of claiming that Allah has sons or daughters and challenge the idea of multiple gods. Allah’s majesty and greatness are emphasised, as everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him, even though humans cannot fully comprehend this. Shaykh also discusses how the disbelievers, blinded by their arrogance, turn away from the truth and refuse to listen to the Quran. this episode serves as a pow...

In this episode of the tafsīr series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Sūrah Al-Isrāʾ (26–39), where Allah provides guidance on handling wealth, relationships, and responsibilities. The verses stress the importance of giving to close relatives, the poor, and travellers, while avoiding wastefulness. Allah advises us to be moderate in generosity, avoiding both stinginess and extravagance. The verses also highlight the sanctity of life, the need to keep promises, and treat others justly. Allah warns against adultery, killing children out of fear of poverty, and the mistreatment of orphans. We are reminded to worship Allah alone and live...

In this episode of the tafsīr series, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Hanif explains verses from Sūrah Al-Isrāʾ (18–25), where Allah teaches the difference between those who seek only this world and those who strive for the Hereafter. Those who pursue worldly gain alone may receive some of it, but the Hereafter is far greater in reward and rank for those who believe and strive sincerely. The verses remind us that all provision comes from Allah, who gives as He wills, yet the Hereafter is higher in value and lasting reward. Allah commands that we worship Him alone and treat ou...