the context of the verse, as well as His words: ‘And Allah sets forth parables for mankind.’ [al-Nūr 35]

Since light provides illumination and guidance, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was called ‘an illuminating lamp.’ The Arabs call one thing by the name of another when there is a connection between them. Thus, they called rain ‘sky’ because it descends from the sky. Likewise, it is possible that He, glorified be He, applied this name to Himself and called Himself by it because light is among His creations. It is as though He had said: ‘The light of the heavens and the earth comes from Him’; He is the One who illuminates them.

He said: ‘And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord,’ meaning with a light from its Lord. He also said: ‘But We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants.’ [al-Shūrā 52]

In the commentary, ‘And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord’ is explained as ‘through the effects of its Lord’s justice,’ meaning that those who have been wronged will receive redress. Allah, Most High, said: ‘And He created darkness and light.’ [al-An‘ām 1] He also said: ‘And whoever Allah does not grant light has no light.’ (40) [al-Nūr 40]

When asked about the opening of hearts, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‘A light cast into the heart.’ Thus it is established that light