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

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.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 50–60, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf describes the terrifying fate of disbelievers at the time of death, where angels strike their faces and backs, saying, "Taste the punishment of the blazing Fire." This punishment is a consequence of their rejection of Allāh’s guidance, highlighting the severity of disobedience. The angels' role in executing the command of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ is a clear reminder of divine justice.

The verses also refer to the punishment of previous nations like Pharaoh, affirming that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ does not wrong His servants but rewards or punishes them based on their deeds. Muslims are urged to be decisive in responding to treachery, ensuring no betrayal occurs. Moreover, they are commanded to prepare for battle by equipping themselves with strength and weaponry to deter aggression and strike fear into the hearts of enemies, as preparation for the cause of Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ brings blessings.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-Anfāl, verses 45-49, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores Allāh’s guidance to the believers on the virtues of steadfastness, patience, and reliance on Him during battle. The passage emphasises the importance of unity, obedience to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Messenger ﷺ. Believers are told to avoid disputes that lead to weakness in these verses. It contrasts the sincerity of the believers with the arrogance of the idolāṭors, who marched boastfully to Badr, deceived by Shayṭān’s false promises. The lesson also touches on the hypocrites’ mockery of the believers’ faith, highlighting how trust in Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ ensures triumph, as He is All-Mighty and All-Wise.

In this lesson of Sūrah al-Anfāl, verses 41-44, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf outlines the rulings for distributing ghanīmah (war spoils) and faʾy (wealth acquired without battle). One-fifth is designated for Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, the Messenger ﷺ, his relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers, emphasising fairness and integrity in handling wealth. At the Battle of Badr, Allāh’s favour was evident as the small, under-equipped Muslim army triumphed over the Quraysh. The Prophet ﷺ combined intelligence and reliance on Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, and the unexpected encounter ensured the victory was a clear sign of divine support, strengthening the faith of the believers.

In this lesson of Surah Al-Anfāl, verses 26-32, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explains that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reminds the believers of their past weakness and His blessings in transforming them into a strong and victorious community. Initially few, oppressed, and fearing persecution, they were granted strength, sustenance, and refuge in Al-Madīnah through His mercy. The verses emphasise the prohibition of betrayal illustrated by the story of Ḥāṭib bin Abī Baltaʿah, who was forgiven for his mistake due to his service in the Battle of Badr.

The passage also recounts the Quraysh’s failed plots to harm the Prophet ﷺ. Despite their arrogance and empty claims to rival the Qurʾān, they repeatedly failed to produce anything like it. Their stubbornness is highlighted in their demand for divine punishment instead of guidance, reflecting their ignorance and defiance. These verses affirm Allāh’s support for the believers, His protection of the Prophet ﷺ and the folly of those who reject His guidance.