within it a lamp. This lamp is enclosed in glass resembling a brilliant star in its clarity and beauty. Its fuel is among the purest oils and the best for burning: oil from a tree in the middle of an open field, neither eastern nor western, where sunlight would reach it at only one end of the day. Rather, it stands in the middle of the field, protected by its outer edges and receiving sunlight in the most balanced measure. Blights strike the edges rather than the tree itself. Such is the brilliance, purity, and excellence of its oil that it almost shines without being touched by fire. This composite whole is the likeness of the light of Allah Most High which He has described as being in the heart of His believing servant, and with which He has specially favored him.

The second approach is that of the detailed simile. According to this interpretation, the niche is the believer’s breast, and the glass is his heart. His heart is likened to glass because of its delicacy, clarity, and firmness.

The believer’s heart likewise combines these three qualities. Through its tenderness, he shows mercy, kindness, affection, and compassion toward creation. Through its clarity, realities and knowledge are reflected within it as they truly are. It keeps cloudiness, stains, and filth at bay in proportion to its clarity. Through its firmness, it is resolute in carrying out Allah’s command, stands firm for the sake of Allah Most High, is stern toward His enemies, and upholds the truth for His sake.

Allah Most High has made hearts like vessels, as one of the early generations said: “Hearts are Allah’s vessels upon His earth; those most beloved to Allah are the tenderest, firmest, and clearest.” The lamp is the light of faith in his heart. The blessed tree is the tree of revelation, which contains guidance and the religion of truth. It supplies the fuel from which the lamp burns. Light upon light is the light of sound innate disposition and sound understanding together with the light of revelation and the Book. One light is thus added to the other, and the servant gains light upon light.

For this reason, he almost speaks truth and wisdom before hearing a transmitted report concerning it. Then the report reaches him, agreeing with what arose in his heart and what he expressed. Thus, the testimony of reason and revealed law, of innate disposition and revelation, agree within him. His reason, innate disposition, and inner perception show him that what the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, brought is the truth. For him, reason and transmitted revelation do not conflict; rather, they confirm and agree with one another. This is the sign of light upon light, unlike one in whose heart there surge