Secondly, The Description of the Noble Quran as being Light:

Light refers to any kind of brightness. It was also said that it means rays and radiance. Light is what makes things clear and allows us to see matters. Light is of two kinds; one related to the worldly life and the other related to the Hereafter. The one that is related to the worldly life is also of two kinds; one is abstract only that is found by one's insight such as the Noble Quran. The other is tangible that is seen by one's eyes such as the bodies that produces brightness such as sun and the moon. As for the one that is related to the Hereafter, it includes the saying of Allah, The Almighty: {…It will be said, "Go back behind you and seek light." (1)} [Quran 57: 13].

The Noble Quran was described as being "light" because it lightens the way for the travelers who adhere firmly to it, it guides them to the best, most virtuous deeds, words and morals that imply their honor, success and salvation in this life and in the life to come until they become on the correct path whose night is so clear like its day. It guides those who are straying, those who turn away from him, those who are lost in the darkness of disbelief, ignorance and misguidance until they seek its light and adopt its guidance.

The description of Quran as being "light" was stated in the Book of Allah, The Almighty, four times; two times with definite article as in the sayings of Allah, The Almighty:

•   {…and followed the light which was sent down with him…} [Quran 7: 157]

•   {So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Quran which We have sent down. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.} [Quran 64: 8]

It was also stated two times with an indefinite article such as in the sayings of Allah, The Almighty:

•   {O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.} [Quran 4: 174]

•   {And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants…} [Quran 42: 52]

This is to explain the greatness and the comprehensiveness of such light. Its reports are light, its rulings are light, its laws are light, its recitation is light, etc. However, this light does not appear except to those who believe in it and follow it until this light reflects upon themselves and their insight and thus becomes look at the matters on their reality and see things on their natural state. That is because it is a clear light in itself and grants light to others by demonstrating and showing facts. All of it is full of light.

It is a light which lays bare the very nature of things, and defines the parting of the ways of truth and falsehood within man himself and in human life altogether. When it is properly appreciated, this light gives man the ability to see himself and everything around him clearly, without anything covering its nature or presenting itself in a false light or position. Everything then becomes clear and simple so that man wonders how he could not see it so clearly and simply before he was able to benefit by the light of the Quran.

When man allows his soul to be guided by the Quran and receives from it its values and standards, he feels that he has acquired a new element, one which allows him to see all matters with perfect ease and clarity. Many things that used to worry him now fall into place, all appearing as part of a general system, which is simple, natural and clear.

We can dwell at great length on this expression: “and We have sent down to you a glorious light”. But whatever we say, we will never be able to describe its message in our own words and we cannot impart its significance to anyone who has not experienced it. Such concepts can only be appreciated by personal experience." (2).

_____________________________

(1)  Al-Mufradaat (827).

(2) Fithilaal Al-Qur'aan (2/822).

Add comment