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.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A‘rāf, verses 59-64, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf delves into the pivotal story of Prophet Nūḥ عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his mission to guide his people away from idol worship. He recounts Nūḥ's lineage and the origins of idol worship that arose after the righteous died, leading to the creation of images and statues. Nūḥ عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ boldly calls his people to worship Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ alone, warning them of the severe consequences of associating partners with Him. Despite his sincere warnings, his community rejects him, deeming him misguided. The lesson emphasises Allah's mercy through revelation, the importance of adhering to true guidance, and the inevitable victory of those who believe, culminating in the divine retribution against the disbelievers and the salvation of Nūḥ عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his followers.

In Surah Al-A’rāf, verses 52-58, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf elaborates that Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ asserts that the idolaters have received a clear message through the Book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ,, leaving them with no excuse for their disbelief. The Book contains perfect knowledge, and on the Day of Judgement, the idolaters will regret their rejection of the truth and wish for a chance to return to life to perform good deeds.

Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ then highlights His creation of the universe in six days, emphasizing His sovereignty as He sits on the Throne in a manner befitting His majesty. The verses call for sincere supplication to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ, reminding believers that He hears every prayer and dislikes excess in requests. Allāh forbids causing disorder on Earth, as corruption brings harm. Finally, Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ illustrates His power through nature, sending rain to revive barren land and bringing life, paralleling this with the resurrection of humanity on the Day of Judgement.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A'rāf, verses 44-51, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the striking dialogue between the people of Paradise and the people of Hellfire. The former declare that they have found Allāh's promise to be true and ask the latter if they have also found His warning to be true. The dwellers of hell acknowledge their punishment in response. This exchange emphasises the anguish and regret of the people of Hell, who are reminded of their arrogance and rejection of faith in the worldly life.

The verses also introduce the people of Al-A'rāf, those whose deeds are equally balanced between good and evil, situated on an elevated place between Paradise and Hell. They express their longing to enter Paradise while pleading to Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ not to place them among the wrongdoers. The lesson concludes with the humiliation of the people of Hellfire as they beg for water and provisions from the people of Paradise, but are denied.

In this lesson of Sūrah Al-A’rāf, verses 37-43, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf explores the fate of idolators and the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter. He discusses how those who invent lies against Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ or reject His signs will face severe repercussions, with their deeds determining their ultimate fate. The lecture describes the moment of death when angels confront the idolators, highlighting their despair as they realise their false gods are powerless to aid them.

Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf further explains the turmoil in Hell, where the inhabitants will curse and blame one another for their misguidance. The lesson serves as a stark reminder that the gates of Heaven will remain closed to those who deny Allāh's Ayat, while the believers who have acted righteously will be rewarded with eternal life in Paradise, free from envy and hatred.

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.