Parables and metaphors are often used by writers in fiction as these communicate deep truths through familiar images and stories. Instead of presenting an abstract idea as a definition, a parable allows the reader or listener to see the idea, making it easier to understand, remember, and reflect upon.
In the Qur'an too, parables (amthāl) are used as a teaching method chosen by Allah. The Quran itself explains this. For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:21), Allah says that He presents examples "so that they may reflect." Similarly, Surah Az-Zumar (39:27) states that Allah has set forth every kind of example so that people may take heed. The goal is not entertainment but reflection, understanding, and guidance.
We have already shared a number of parables and metaphors used in Qur'an which can be accessed from our reference page: Most profound Metaphors and Parables in Al Qur'an - and with this post we add yet another parable mentioned in 35 verse of Surah 24. An-Nur (24:35) which is called "Ayat an-Nur" (The Verse of Light) because it begins: "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth..."
It is one of the most profound and richly interpreted verses in the Quran. Muslim scholars throughout history have reflected on it from theological, linguistic, and spiritual perspectives. Most classical commentators understand the verse to contain metaphorical imagery alongside profound truths about Allah's guidance.
The verse continues with a vivid parable:
۞ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشۡكَوٰةٖ فِيهَا مِصۡبَاحٌۖ ٱلۡمِصۡبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوۡكَبٞ دُرِّيّٞ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٖ مُّبَٰرَكَةٖ زَيۡتُونَةٖ لَّا شَرۡقِيَّةٖ وَلَا غَرۡبِيَّةٖ يَكَادُ زَيۡتُهَا يُضِيٓءُ وَلَوۡ لَمۡ تَمۡسَسۡهُ نَارٞۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٖۚ يَهۡدِي ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُۚ وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَٰلَ لِلنَّاسِۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٞ
"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."
Is "light" a metaphor?
Classical scholars generally explain that Allah is not "light" in the ordinary physical sense. Rather, the verse teaches that Allah is the source of all guidance, truth, and illumination. Just as physical light enables us to see the world, divine guidance enables us to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and what is lasting from what is temporary. Thus, the parable of the niche, lamp, glass, and pure oil illustrates how guidance can shine with exceptional clarity in a heart prepared to receive it.
For example, Ibn Kathir explains that the "light" refers to Allah's guidance in the believer's heart. Al-Ghazali, in his work Mishkat al-Anwar ("The Niche of Lights"), reflects on the verse as describing different levels of spiritual perception and how the human heart is illuminated by knowledge of Allah. Ibn Kathir quotes Ubayy ibn Ka'b detailing how this light operates within a believer's heart. “The similitude of His light [takes place in] the Muslim's heart. This light, which He has placed in the heart, comes from gnosis, love, faith and the remembrance of God.”
Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi notes: The sentence, "His light may be likened......", dispels the possible misunderstanding that one could have front the words: "'Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth." This shows that the use of the word "light" for Allah does not at all mean that the essence of His Being is nothing but 'light'. In essence, He is a Perfect Being, Who is All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Wise etc. and also possessing all 'Light' has been called 'Light' itself because of His Perfection as a Source of Light, just as somebody may be called `Grace' on account of his being highly gracious and beneficent and 'Beauty' because of his being highly beautiful and attractive.
Why the imagery?
Notice that the verse does not simply state, "Allah guides people." Instead, it paints a picture:
A niche protects and focuses the light.
A lamp is the source of illumination.
A clear glass allows the light to shine brilliantly.
Pure oil is so refined that it almost shines by itself.
Then comes the phrase: "Light upon light."
The imagery suggests that divine guidance is not dim or confusing. When revelation, sound understanding, and a sincere heart come together, faith becomes clearer and stronger.
How do we derive faith from this verse?
The verse teaches that faith is not merely inherited or emotional—it is illumination. A believer grows in faith by seeking Allah's guidance, reflecting on His signs, and purifying the heart so it can receive that guidance. The "glass" can be thought of as the heart: if it is clouded by arrogance, prejudice, or persistent wrongdoing, the light is obscured; if it is kept clear through sincerity, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and reflection on the Quran, the light shines more brightly. This is why the verse concludes, "Allah guides to His light whom He wills," reminding believers that while they should seek guidance through faith and effort, true guidance is ultimately a gift from Allah.
In this way, Ayat an-Nur directs us to understand that faith is not simply about possessing information. It is about allowing Allah's guidance to illuminate the mind, soften the heart, and shape one's character and actions—so that truth becomes something a person not only knows, but lives.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer for more Selected Verses from Surah 24. An Nur (The Light), already published
You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages:
- Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
- Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
- Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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