Page by Page - Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

In this episode, Shaykh Ahsan Hanif goes through Page 1 of the Qur'an; Surah Al-Fatiha. Learn the importance & meaning of Surah Al-Fatiha.

In this episode, Shaykh Ahsan Hanif goes through Page 2 of the Qur'an; Surah Al-Baqarah. On this page, Allah states that there is no doubt in the Qur'an, and this book serves as a guide for Al-Muttaqun, the righteous individuals who fear Allah.Furthermore, Allah elaborates:Those who believe in the unseen, establish their prayers, and give to charity—these are the believers who believe in the Qur'an and other Holy Books, and they have faith in the Day of Judgment. They are the ones who achieve true success.

On this page, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ addresses disbelievers and hypocrites. Despite warnings for disbelievers who refuse to believe, and Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ has sealed their hearts.On the other side, there are hypocrites, and they are more dangerous. Hypocrites claim faith but deceive themselves and others. They create mischief while pretending to be peacemakers and mocking true believers. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ mocks them in return, and they trade guidance for error, ending up lost.

The Qur'an speaks of the disbelievers' blindness and deafness. They are like the people who light a fire but lose their light, leaving them in darkness. They are unable to see, hear, or speak, and they wander without guidance.Additionally, the page emphasises the creation of the Earth, the sky, and the provision of water and sustenance from Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ.Further, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ said that if anyone doubts the Qur'an's authenticity, they are challenged to produce something similar or call witnesses to support their claims. If they cannot, they are warned of the fire, prepared for disbelievers.

Page 5 extends glad tidings to the believers who do good deeds. Their reward is paradise with eternal bliss, rivers, and delicious fruits. They'll have purified spouses as their companions.The page employs parables to guide believers and confound disbelievers. Those who break their covenants with Allah and engage in wrongdoing will be the losers. It emphasises life, death, and resurrection, underscoring Allah's role in all aspects of creation.

Page 6 tells us about Allah's plan to place generations of humans on Earth. Angels had concerns, but Allah's wisdom surpassed their understanding.Allah taught Adam the names of everything and had angels name them to highlight His knowledge. He showed His knowledge of the unseen.Then, Allah explains the story of Adam and his wife when they were placed in Paradise, except for one tree they shouldn't approach. Shaitan led them to disobey, causing their expulsion.But Allah is merciful; He forgave Adam and taught him words of repentance.

On page 7, Allah commands the people to follow His guidance and fulfil their obligations. Those who disbelieve and deny His signs will dwell in the fire forever. The Children of Israel are reminded of Allah's favours and are urged to believe in the revealed scriptures. They are cautioned not to mix truth with falsehood. The importance of prayer, charity, and righteous deeds is emphasized. The believers are reminded of the Day of Judgement, when no one can intercede or escape their deeds.

Page 8 narrates the story of the Children of Isra’il, suffering under Pharaoh's torment. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ miraculously parts the sea to save them, but, during Prophet Musa's absence, they make a mistake by worshipping a calf. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ forgives their transgressions when they repent.Musa receives the Torah, a guide for right and wrong. Doubtful of faith, some demand to see Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, but a lightning strike humbles them. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ revives them to life, showing His power. The page underscores patience and faith, revealing Allah's mercy amid trials.

On page 9, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ recounts the story of when He instructed the people to enter Jerusalem with humility and seek His forgiveness. Those who did wrong changed His words and faced punishment. Another incident involved Prophet Musa, who was asked by his people for a variety of food, but they were met with humiliation and the Wrath of Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ for their disbelief, the killing of Prophets, and disobedience.

On page 10, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ conveys valuable teachings and stories. It emphasises the importance of faith, good deeds, and adherence to guidance for believers of various backgrounds, assuring them of reward and protection.The page also recounts the consequences of people who catch fish on Saturday by ignoring the command of Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, and Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ transforms them into monkeys, serving as a lesson for future generations.Additionally, it features the story of Prophet Musa instructing his people to slaughter a specific cow, highlighting the significance of obedience to Allah's commands. These verses serve as a reminder of the vital role faith, commitment, and obedience play in Allah's guidance.

On Page 11 of the Qur'an, Allah tells a story about a murder among the Children of Isra’il. They argued about it, but Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ revealed the truth in a miraculous way. He had them strike a dead man with a piece of cow, bringing him back to life to show his power. However, despite witnessing these miracles, some people's hearts remained hard as stones. This story teaches us about different reactions to Allah's signs and how some people change the words of the Torah knowingly. It emphasises the importance of true understanding and sincerity in our actions.

By reading page 12 of the Qur'an, we emphasise the greatness of Allah’s knowledge. Some among the Jews lack knowledge of the Book and rely on false desires. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ condemns those who alter the Book for personal gain and falsely assume a brief punishment in Hell. However, this assumption is baseless, as they cannot bind Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ with any covenant.Believers, on the other hand, will enjoy eternal paradise for their Emaan and righteous deeds. This page also recalls Allah's covenant with the Children of Isra’il, which includes worshipping Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ alone and performing acts of kindness. Unfortunately, many deviated from this path.The page serves as a reminder of Allah's knowledge, justice, and the consequences of one's actions, highlighting the importance of Emaan and good deeds.

On page 13 of the Qur'an, Allah provides important guidance. This page reminds us of a covenant where a community (Bani Isra’il) pledged not to shed the blood of their people or drive them from their homes. However, they violated this covenant by killing one another, assisting their enemies, and even ransoming captives they were not allowed to expel.Some of them believed in only a part of the Scripture and rejected the rest, resulting in disgrace in this world and severe punishment in the Hereafter. They traded the life of this world for the hereafter, and their torment will not be eased.The page also mentions how Allah gave books and messengers to guide people, including Musa and Isa. However, when messengers came with messages, the people did not desire them; some grew arrogant, disbelieved, and even killed them. As a result, their hearts became closed to Allah's word, and they believed very little.

On Page 14, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ mentions how a book (Qur’an) was sent to the Jews, confirming their previous scriptures like the Torah and the Injil. Despite their past prayers for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, they disbelieved when he came. As a result, they incurred Allah's curse.It's unfortunate that they rejected what Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ revealed due to jealousy about His grace. This led to their downfall, and disbelievers will face a severe punishment.The Jews are asked to believe in the Qur'an as well, which confirms their scriptures. However, they claim to believe only in their earlier scriptures and reject the truth that came later. They are reminded of their past actions, such as worshipping a calf after Prophet Musa left and breaking their covenant with Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ. The page also mentions how Allah gave books and messengers to guide people, including Musa and Isa. However, when messengers came with messages, the people did not desire them; some grew arrogant, disbelieved, and even killed them. As a result, their hearts became closed to Allah's word, and they believed very little.

On page 15 of the Qur'an, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ addresses the concept of longing for the Hereafter and the behavior of different groups. Some claim a special place in the Hereafter but do not truly desire it due to their past deeds. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ is aware of the wrongdoers.The passage also highlights the Jews' excessive desire for a long life, wishing for a thousand years, but it won't save them from the consequences of their actions.This page emphasizes the significance of accepting the guidance brought by the angel Jibrael, confirming previous scriptures and delivering glad tidings to believers.It further mentions that Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ has sent clear signs and verses, but many rebels continue to disbelieve and break their covenants. When a messenger from Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, such as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, came to them, a party among the people of the Scripture rejected the Book of Allah as if they were unaware of its significance.

On page 16, Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ recounts an incident from Prophet Sulaiman time when devils spread false teachings about magic. Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but the devils did, using angels Harut and Marut to spread magical knowledge as a trial.The magic caused discord between spouses, but harm or benefit only occurred with Allah's permission. Those practicing magic harmed themselves and excluded themselves from the hereafter.The verse emphasises that belief, guarding against evil, and fearing Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ bring a far better reward. Believers are advised to use respectful language with the Prophet, and Allah, in His mercy, chooses recipients of goodness according to His will.

On page 17 of the Qur'an, Allah reminds us that whenever a verse is abrogated or forgotten, He replaces it with a better or similar one. This emphasises Allah's limitless authority. The verses also assert that Allah alone holds dominion over the heavens and the earth, and there is no protector or helper besides Him.The verse challenges those who wish to question the Messenger, comparing it to the query posed to Musa. Changing faith for disbelief leads one astray. Some of the people of the Scripture may envy and attempt to turn believers away, but forgiveness is advised until Allah's command prevails.Further, performing prayers, giving Zakat, and sending forth good deeds are highlighted as actions rewarded by Allah. The notion that only Jews or Christians will enter Paradise is refuted; submission to Allah and virtuous conduct lead to reward without fear or grief.

On page 18 of the Qur'an, Allah addresses disputes between Jews and Christians, emphasising that He will judge them on the Day of Resurrection. Those unjustly forbidding Allah's name in His mosques will face disgrace and severe torment. Allah, owning the East and the West, is sufficient for all needs.The false claim of Allah having offspring is rejected; everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. Allah, the Creator, commands "Be!" and it exists. Those lacking knowledge question why Allah doesn't speak directly or provide a sign. The truth brought by Prophet Muhammad serves as glad tidings for believers and a warning for rejecters. The Prophet isn't answerable for the fate of the dwellers of the blazing fire.

On page 19 of the Qur’an, Allah tells Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that Jews and Christians won't be pleased until he follows their religion. It emphasises that Allah's guidance is the true one. Those who believe in the given book are true believers; those who don't are losers.Further, the children of Isra’il are reminded of Allah's favour, and a warning about Judgement Day is given. The page reflects on Prophet Ibrahim's trials and leadership role. The Kaaba's significance and Allah's command to purify it are highlighted.Ibrahim's prayer for Mecca’s security and provisions for believers is noted. Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ warns disbelievers to be content for a while before facing the fire's torment. The page ends with a reminder of the consequences for those who reject the guidance of Allah.

On Page 20 of the Qur'an, Allah recounts the moment when Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'il were diligently laying the foundations of the Ka'bah. They prayed to Allah, asking Him to accept their service. The heartfelt supplication included a request for submission to Allah, the formation of a righteous nation from their descendants, guidance in pilgrimage ceremonies, and acceptance of repentance.In this powerful prayer, they sought the sending of a Messenger, a role fulfilled with the advent of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who would recite Allah's verses, impart knowledge, and purify the people. Further, the verse concludes with Prophet Ya'qub questioning his sons about their faith after his passing, to which they unwaveringly declare their submission to the One God, Allah.This narrative serves as a reminder of the continuity of faith and the significance of submission to Allah, drawing parallels between the past and the present.