In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 130-137, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf delves into the repeated signs and punishments Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent upon the people of Fir`awn in an attempt to humble them and turn them back to Him. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ first tested them with years of drought and famine but the people blamed Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his followers for their plight. As each new calamity befell them including the plagues of locusts, frogs, and blood, Fir`awn and his people promised to repent if the affliction was removed.

However, once the punishment was lifted, they broke their promises, continuing their defiance and disbelief. The ultimate punishment came when Fir`awn’s forces were drowned in the sea after they pursued the Children of Israel, who had been allowed to cross safely. The sea closed upon Fir`awn and his army, drowning them as a consequence of their rejection of Allāh’s signs. Meanwhile, the Children of Israel were granted the land promised to them, symbolising Allāh's support for those who are patient and obedient to Him. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, humility, and reliance on Allāh’s justice.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 115-129, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the confrontation between Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and Fir’awn magicians. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام allows the magicians to cast their spells first, and they create illusions that capture and terrify the audience. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ then commands Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام to throw his staff, which transforms into a serpent and consumes all of the magicians’ illusions, proving their sorcery false.

Witnessing this undeniable miracle, the magicians fall into prostration and declare belief in the "Lord of Mūsa and Harun," even as Fir’awn accuses them of betrayal and threatens them with punishment. Fir’awn’s anger leads him to order the torture of the magicians, but they remain firm in faith, seeking Allāh’s mercy and preferring martyrdom. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام then turns to the oppressed Children of Israel, urging them to have patience and trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, who alone controls the earth’s destiny. Though they express frustration at their prolonged suffering, Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام reassures them that patience and reliance on Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ will lead to victory. This passage highlights the triumph of faith and truth over falsehood and oppression.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 103-114, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the story of Prophet Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his mission to confront Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and his people with the message of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام is sent with clear signs, including his staff transforming into a serpent and his hand becoming radiant when he withdraws it from his cloak, demonstrating the truth of Mūsa’s prophethood. Fir’awn, however, reacts with arrogance, dismissing Musa’s miracles as mere magic. The verses describe Fir’awn’s attempt to weaken the message of Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام by portraying him as a powerful sorcerer whose intentions threaten the political and social order of Egypt.

Fir’awn’s chiefs suggest gathering magicians from across the land, confident that their skills can match or overpower Mūsa’s miracles. Fir’awn’s promises of rewards and honour for the magicians underscore his fear of losing authority. In agreeing to meet publicly, Mūsa عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام accepts Fir’awn’s challenge, embodying trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. This lesson reflects on the futility of Fir’awn’s resistance against divine power and the consequences of rejecting truth out of arrogance and fear.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 96-102, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the consequences of rejecting faith and the blessings that come with belief in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ warns that if the people of the towns had believed and practiced Taqwa, they would have received blessings from the heavens and earth.

However, their rejection led to punishment. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf highlights the example of past nations, such as the people of Prophet Yunus عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, who only believed after facing torment, and Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ spared them. The lesson stresses that no one is secure from Allāh's plan, and that rejecting guidance leads to the sealing of hearts. It also reflects on the importance of staying true to the innate faith (Fitrah) that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ has placed within every human being.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 88-95, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses the response of Prophet Shū’ayb’s عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام people when they rejected his call to monotheism. Their chiefs threatened to expel Shū’ayb عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his followers from the land unless they abandoned their faith and reverted to disbelief. Shū’ayb عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, however, emphasised his unwavering trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, declaring that he would never lie against Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ nor compromise on His commands.

Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan explains how Allāh’s judgment ultimately came upon the disbelievers as an earthquake and sudden affliction, demonstrating the futility of their arrogance and rebellion. These verses also highlights Allāh’s testing of earlier nations through alternating hardships and blessings. Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan elaborates on the wisdom behind these trials, showing that while believers are grateful in prosperity and patient in adversity, the disbelievers dismissed such trials as mere cycles of fate, failing to recognise the wisdom of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The lesson concludes with the reminder that Allāh’s justice is certain and sudden, and that ultimate success lies in humbling oneself before Him.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Aʿrāf, verses 80-87, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the story of Prophet Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his people, focusing on their sinful behavior and ultimate destruction. Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام was sent to the people of Sodom to warn them against their corrupt practices, particularly their engagement in homosexuality, which had never been seen before among humanity. Despite the severe warning of Prophet Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام, the people of Sodom rejected his message, stating that they had no interest in women and would continue their immoral practices. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ eventually commanded Lūṭ عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام and his family to leave the city by night, instructing them not to look back or take Lūṭ’s wife with them. His wife, who had conspired against him and supported the wrongdoing of her people, remained behind. The punishment of the people of Sodom was swift and severe. They suffered the fate of destruction as Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ sent a rain of stones upon them. These verses serve as a stark warning to all those who turn away from the guidance of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A‘rāf, verses 173-179, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains the story of the tribe of Thamūd. He discusses their lineage, tracing it back to Thamūd bin Athir and highlighting their ancient roots as part of the Al-‘Aribah Arabs. The Shaykh elaborates on how the tribe was settled between the Ḥijāz and Ash-Shām and how Prophet Ṣāliḥ عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was sent to guide them towards the worship of Allāh عَزَّ وَجَلَّ alone. The episode also covers the miraculous she-camel that was produced from a solid rock as a sign from Allāh عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. Despite the clear miracle, the Thamūd rejected Ṣāliḥ's message and conspired to kill the she-camel, leading to their eventual destruction. Shaykh Dr. Ḥanīf emphasizes the lessons from their arrogance and disbelief, warning against the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

In this lesson from Sūrah Al-A‘rāf, verses 65-72, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf discusses Prophet Hūd عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the people of ‘Ād. The people of ‘Ād were the descendants of ‘Ād, son of Iram, son of Aws, son of Sām, son of Nūḥ (Noah). They lived in Aḥqāf, an area in present-day Yemen, known for their strength and impressive structures. Prophet Hūd عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was sent to guide his people away from idol worship and back to the worship of Allāh عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. Despite his sincere message, the ‘Ād people ridiculed him, claiming he was mad. Hūd عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ reminded them of Allāh's blessings and warned of dire consequences for their arrogance. He foretold that a "barren wind" would punish them for their denial. This ultimately led to their destruction, illustrating the importance of heeding divine guidance and the dangers of pride and disbelief.