Ayat an-Nur (The Light Verse): Surah An-Nur 24:35
سُورَةُ النُّورِ · Medinan · Verse 35 of 64
۞ ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍۢ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌۭ دُرِّىٌّۭ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍۢ مُّبَٰرَكَةٍۢ زَيْتُونَةٍۢ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍۢ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍۢ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌۭ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍۢ ۗ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۭ
Translation
God is the Light of the heavens and earth. His Light is like this: there is a niche, and in it a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, a glass like a glittering star, fuelled from a blessed olive tree from neither east nor west, whose oil almost gives light even when no fire touches it- light upon light- God guides whoever He will to his Light; God draws such comparisons for people; God has full knowledge of everything-
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This magnificent verse opens with a profound declaration: Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. To appreciate this, we first understand that "Nour" (Light) here is not a physical light, as Allah is beyond physical description. Rather, it is a sublime metaphor. As scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain, Allah is the source of all manifestation, the One who makes everything apparent, and the ultimate Guide for all in creation. Without His light, all would be in darkness, both literally and figuratively.
The Parable of Light
The verse then uses a beautiful parable, *mathalu noorihi* (the likeness of His Light), to help us grasp how His guidance manifests, particularly His message in the hearts of believers. Ibn Ashur notes this parable follows the previous verse about "clear verses," hinting that this light refers to the Quran and divine guidance.
The parable begins with a *mishkat* (niche in a wall). Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn describe it as a non-penetrating recess that collects and intensifies the light of a lamp, preventing it from scattering. Within this niche is a *misbah* (lamp), the main source of light. The Quran specifically reiterates *al-misbah* (the lamp) and *al-zujajah* (the glass) instead of using pronouns, which Ibn Ashur points out is a linguistic device to emphasize the importance of these elements in the parable. The *misbah* is encased in a *zujajah* (glass container), which is so clear and radiant that *ka'annaha kawkabun durriyyun* (it is as if it were a brilliant star). This specific wording, "brilliant star," highlights its dazzling purity, resembling a precious, shining pearl (*durr* in Arabic), as al-Zamakhshari explains.
The Source of the Oil
This brilliant lamp is lit from the oil of a *shajaratin mubarakatin zaytoonah* (a blessed olive tree). The word *mubarakah* (blessed) signifies its abundant benefits, as olive oil is used for light, food, and medicine. The verse then adds a unique description: *la sharqiyyatin wa la gharbiyyatin* (neither eastern nor western). This isn't just a geographical detail; it's a powerful descriptor. As al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur note, it means the tree is perfectly situated in an open, balanced spot, receiving sunlight from sunrise to sunset. This ideal exposure produces the purest, most superior oil. This linguistic nuance emphasizes the sheer excellence and purity of the light's source, ensuring maximum illumination.
The purity of this oil is so exceptional that *yakadu zaytuha yudi'u walaw lam tamsashu narun* (its oil almost glows even without being touched by fire). This signifies an inherent luminosity, an innate readiness for truth and guidance, as al-Razi beautifully connects it to the heart of a believer.
Light upon Light
The culmination of this parable is *noorun 'ala noor* (Light upon Light). This striking phrase, emphasized by al-Jadwal as a form of powerful expression, signifies not just one light, but a compounded, multiplied, and intensified illumination. It's the synergy of all the elements – the niche focusing the light, the pure glass enhancing it, and the radiant oil ready to ignite – creating an unparalleled brilliance. This is how Allah's guidance is for the believer: layers of truth, clarity, and inner knowing, all building upon each other.
The verse concludes by affirming, *Yahdi Allahu linoorihi man yasha'u* (Allah guides to His Light whom He wills) and *Wa yadribu Allahu al-amthala lilnnasi wa Allahu bikulli shayin 'aleem* (And Allah presents parables for mankind, and Allah is Knowing of all things). This reminds us that this magnificent light of guidance is a divine gift, and Allah sets forth these parables for humanity to reflect and understand, knowing precisely who will be receptive.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nur 24:35 is discussed in 9 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nur 24:35 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.