his explanation of a verse or a name some of its meanings suited to the questioner. They did likewise with His names “the Eternal Refuge” and “the Most Merciful,” among others. By mentioning particular meanings, they did not intend to deny the other meanings conveyed by the name. The same is true throughout their Quranic exegesis, as in their explanation of His words:

“Among them are those who wrong themselves, those who follow a middle course, and those who are foremost in good deeds.” [Fātir 32]

Each of them mentions some examples of these categories. This is common in Quranic exegesis. The purpose here is to mention His light in the hearts of the believers. This is undoubtedly connected with His guidance of the believers; thus, the aspect of the name’s meaning appropriate to that purpose was mentioned. His being a Guide is comparable to His being Light in what each entails, as we have pointed out elsewhere. Ibn Kullāb also drew attention to this in his discussion.

As for his report that Ibn Mas‘ūd said “Illuminator,” and that this is the reading in his copy of the Quran, this does not contradict His being Light; rather, it is