And these commentators on the Quran and the Most Beautiful Names follow what they have transmitted from Ibn ‘Abbās in interpreting “Light” to mean “Guide.” This is taken only from the commentary of al-Wālibī, ‘Alī ibn Abī Talhah, which ‘Abd Allāh ibn Sālih transmitted from Mu‘āwiyah ibn Sālih, from ‘Alī ibn Abī Talhah, from Ibn ‘Abbās, concerning His words:

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.”

He explains: “Allah, glorified be He, is the Guide of the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth. His guidance in the believer’s heart is like clear oil that almost gives light before fire touches it; when fire touches it, its light grows brighter still. Likewise, the believer’s heart follows guidance before knowledge reaches it; when knowledge reaches it, it increases in guidance upon guidance and light upon light.”

They all therefore rely on this report, for people transmitted this commentary from ‘Abd Allāh ibn Sālih, and Abū Bakr