THE Surah Al- Noor( The Light) has 64 verses. On a subject wise basis the Surah can be divided into nine distinct segments. Since some verses connect to an incident involving Ummul Momineen Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA), it is considered to be a Surah chronologically revealed at Medina, between 5- 6 AH. The Surah establishes with firmness and certainty what spiritual standards ought to be and how these can be violated by indiscriminate and unregulated behaviour. The Surah is significant for it provides guidelines for individual morals and for purity of society. While the Surah is mystical, it provides some key teachings. The Holy Quran invites readers to contemplate upon the mysteries of Allah’s Creation. The idea is to make available to the reader knowledge and consciousness.
Each time when I read/ recite this Surah I am filled with awe. The inability to grasp its full and real meaning consumes from within. The real meaning for an uninitiated person like this scribe remains obscured. The Surah to the reciter gives an unexplainable spirituality. 1.Verses 1- 10 relate to moral lapses , punishments for it, consequences, Oaths and solemnity and impact of wrongful Oath.” The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication—- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let no compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment “( 24: 2).
Spirituality is lost through moral lapses . The punishment is to be carried publicly, not with fanfare , but with regret, so that it acts as a deterrent to others in the society. Islam is a religion of purity. Moral transgressions render impurity to a man’s belief and character. For those who slander where they cannot provides four witnesses to corroborate and press their charges of immodesty are prescribed the strictest of punishment “for”…………Flog them with eighty stripes and reject their evidence even after : for such men are wicked transgressors “( 4: 24).
Verses 6- 9 relates to the laws of Lien —- a legal recourse when a husband accuses his own wife to infidelity, without outside witnesses “. “ For those husbands who slander their spouses , the Divine prescription is” But it would avert punishment from the wife , if she bears witnesses four times ( with an Oath) should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if ( her accuser) is telling a lie : And the fifth( Oath ) should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth” ( 24: 8- 9 ). 2.verses 11- 20. These relate to the incident involving Bibi Ayesha( May Allah be pleased with her) .For those misguided men who whispered slander about the incident are asked by Allah “…..why did not the Believers– men and women—- when you heard of the affair— put the best construction in their own mind and say, “This ( charge) is an obvious lie”( 24: 12). Of this episode.
Abdullah Yusuf Ali in his note 2968 in the commentary of the Holy Quran, sums its message in simplest terms…” There are three things reprobated by way of Spiritual training:( a) If others speech an evil word, there is no reason why you should allow it to defile your tongue. (b). If you get a thought or suspicion which is not based on your certain knowledge, do not give it currency by expression; ( c). In the eyes of Allah it is an extremely serious matter to speak and blast character or reputation, especially if it involves the honour and reputation of pious women “. Those who publish scandal are told of how a grievous penalty awaits them.( 24:19).
3. Verses 21- 26 relate to refraining from becoming a follower of satan. These also extoll the good behaviour of men of means who help those in need..then there is again mention of grievous punishment for those who slander pious women. Verse 26 specifies and distinguishes between impure men and women, versus the pure of them. The pure are offered ‘ forgiveness and a provision honourable ‘( 24: 26). 4. Verses 27- 34 mention about Righteousness of conduct and behaviour. A social standard is set up in verse 27, “…….O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and saluted those in them : that is best fir you, in order that you may pay heed( what is seemly).( 24: 27). Following verses then invite for purity of behaviour by going back if no permission comes forth. These Verses set the rules about dwelling in houses…since they involve protection of privacy…the provisions are strict for any violations.
Verses 31- 32 describe the standards of modesty for both men and women. Both must lower their gaze, guard modesty. Women are to draw veils over their bosom and must not display their beauty, except to….these relationships are also specified. The last verse in this batch- 34, says, “ We have already sent down to you verses making things clear , an illustration from ( the story of) people who passed away before you and an admonition fir those who fear (Allah ). This verse acts as a prelude to subsequent verses about “ Light”( Nur). 5. Verses 35-40. Volumes have been written on this set of verses . Historians and Islamic researchers recognise Ghazli’s Mishkat al- Anwar ‘ as the most notable interpretation. These verses are so full of mysticism.
“ Allah is The Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp : The Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star : lit from a Blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the East nor of the West, whose Oil is well- nigh Luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light ! Allah does guide whom He will to His Light: Allah sets forth parables for men; And Allah does know all things( 24: 25). Even repeated recitations leaves one wondering about the “ meaning” of this verse.
Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s commentary reads ( Note 3003) ,” Glorious, illimitable Light which cannot be described or measured. And there are grades and grades of it, passing transcendentaly into the region of Spiritual height, Which man’s imagination can scarcely conceive of . The top most pinnacle is the true prototypal Light, , The Real Light, of which, , all others are mere reflections ; the Light of Allah. Hence the saying of the Holy Prophet ( peace be upon him,”): about Allah ‘s “ Seventy thousand veils of Light “( 24: 35).
The remaining verses in this segment speak about allurements of trade that can take one away from the rememberance of Allah. Men are reminded that ,”……For Allah does provide for those whom He will, Without measure”( 24: 38). 6.Verses 41- 50. These describe the wonders of Allah’s Creation. They mention how the night alternates with the day; about various Creation of various animals and finally ends with description of who are the hypocrites. 7. Verses 51- 57. These relate upon how to align with Allah and His Messenger. Allah mentions the promise of reward fir the Righteous. It invokes for observance of Salat and Charity. There is a warning for the unbelievers.
8. Verses 58- 61. These verses call for maintaining modesty and sets hight standards of behaviour. The verses mention about who can be taken as Spouses . It prescribes in strict terms timings of when and how to change clothing during times of rest at night and afternoons. “ Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom”( 24: 58). “ Thus Allah makes clear the signs to you,”( 24: 61). 9. Verses 62- 64. These verses establish the necessary protocols of behaviour for the companions when they are in presence of the Prophet ( pbuh). Even seeking leave of absence from Prophet ‘s ( pbuh) presence is fully codified.
Those who trip in violation of the protocols are warned: “ …. then let those beware who withstand the Messenger’s order , lest some trail befall them or a grievous Penalty be inflicted on them”( 24: 63). Surah Nur ( The Light) is the most sublime. Much of it I believe remains outside human comprehension, except our Beloved Prophet ( pbuh) . May Allah Guide us all towards greater rectitude in our lives and, also help us better understand The Holy Quran . Ameen. —Concluded.
—The writer is a senior banker & freelance contributor, based in Karachi.
