Light upon light – The verse of light and the heart of the believer


“Allah 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 brilliant 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.
Allah guides to His light whom He wills.
And Allah presents examples for the people,
and Allah is Knowing of all things. [Surah Al-Nur 24:35]
Allah gives light to the heaven and earth.
This famous ayah containing the phrase ‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth’ is called the Ayah of Nur (the verse of light).
This is the ayah of Nur in surat An Nur.
There has been plenty of discussion on this ayah alone.
The heart of the believer reflects the light of Allah
There are a few explanations for this. The common one is that this is the example of the heart of the believer and the niche is where the heart resides. Allah’s light is reflected by the heart.
Allah Almighty says this glass is like a brilliant star because of the light reflecting from the heart due to its sensitivity and brilliance. The glass is radiant, pure and clear.
The source of light is as if it has been lit by the oil of olive tree, which is neither in the east or the west. This means that it is located in a central position where it receives light from all sides, not just the east or west. It is healthy and thriving. The best tree in the best position in the best location receiving the best light and all this is beaming on the heart of the believer through the revelation which Allah Almighty sent to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).
Light upon light
Nurun ala nur (light upon light) is the light coming to the heart of the believer and the light of the fitrah which Allah created in the believer, which is the innate purity in each and every human. These twin lights shine in the heart of the believer.
Allah Almighty guides whomsoever He wills
Those who seek guidance will be guided by Allah Almighty. There is no doubt about this.
Those who reject guidance will not be guided. Whatever proof is put before them, they will reject it. Allah Almighty gives the example of the niche, and olive oil and lamp for believers to reflect upon, because we are familiar with them. And so that we can appreciate the light He has sent us so that we can be thankful for Allah’s light.
We ask Him to keep this light in our hearts and in the hearts of our offspring and our loved ones. Ameen.
Shaykh Haytham Tamim – Ramadan day 10

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