۞ ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّىٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ 35
Translations
Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allāh guides to His light whom He wills. And Allāh presents examples for the people, and Allāh is Knowing of all things.
Transliteration
Allahu nuru as-samawati wa-al-ard. Mathalu nurihi kamishkawatin fiha misbah. Al-misbahu fi zujajatin. Az-zujajatu ka-annaha kawkabun duriyyun yuqadu min shajaratin mubarakatatin zaytunatin la sharqiyyatin wa la gharbiyyatin yakadu zaytuhayudu wa law lam tamsashu nar. Nurun ala nurin. Yahdillahu linurihi man yasha. Wa yadribullahu al-amthala lin-nas. Wa-allahu bikulli shay'in alim.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, known as Ayat al-Nur (the Verse of Light), describes Allah's guidance through an elaborate metaphor comparing the Divine Light to a lamp within a niche inside glass, illuminated by blessed olive oil that glows even without fire touching it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the niche (mishkah) represents the heart, the glass represents the chest, and the oil represents faith, while the light itself symbolizes knowledge and guidance from Allah. The phrase "light upon light" (nur ala nur) signifies the multiplicity and perfection of divine guidance, and the ayah emphasizes that Allah guides to His light whomever He wills, while also illustrating universal truths through parables for humanity.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (Chapter 24), a Medinan surah revealed during the Prophet Muhammad's time in Medina. While no specific asbab al-nuzul (revelation occasion) is definitively recorded for this particular verse, it appears in the context of discussions about modesty, family law, and moral conduct. The surah's placement of this metaphysical verse about divine guidance reflects the Quranic method of addressing spiritual and practical matters of the Muslim community, establishing the foundation of faith upon which legal and moral teachings rest.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The example of my guidance and that which Allah has sent me with, is like abundant rain falling on the earth." (Tirmidhi) Additionally, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet would recite this ayah and reflect deeply upon its meanings, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance through sincere hearts.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true guidance comes only from Allah and reaches those whose hearts are prepared to receive it—our role is to purify our intentions, open our hearts like clear glass, and nourish our faith like the blessed olive oil that radiates light even in darkness. In the modern context, this calls us to seek knowledge and wisdom through sincere reflection, surround ourselves with sources of spiritual illumination, and recognize that genuine enlightenment comes from alignment with divine truth rather than worldly pursuits.