; the likeness of His light is that of a niche containing a lamp. The lamp is within glass, the glass like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed olive tree, neither eastern nor western, whose oil almost shines even without being touched by fire. Light upon light.”

This is a likeness of the light of faith in the believers’ hearts. Then He says:

“As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage on a level plain, which a thirsty person mistakes for water, until, when he reaches it, he finds nothing there. But he finds Allah there, who settles his account in full. And Allah is swift in reckoning. Or like darkness in a deep sea, covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds—layers of darkness, one above another. When he stretches out his hand, he can scarcely see it. Whoever Allah grants no light has no light.”

The first is a likeness of corrupt beliefs and the deeds that follow from them. The person holding those beliefs imagines that they will benefit him, but when he comes to them, he finds nothing that benefits him. Allah then settles his account in full for those deeds.

And (the second: a likeness of simple ignorance and the absence of faith and knowledge. Someone in this condition is amid layers of darkness, one above another, unable to see anything; for it is only through the light of faith and knowledge that one sees. Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, when those who fear Allah are touched by a prompting from Satan, they remember, and at once they see clearly.”

Allah Most High also says:

“She certainly desired him, and he would have desired her had he not seen the proof of his Lord.”

This was the proof of faith established in his heart, through which Allah turned him away from what he had intended, credited him with a full good deed, and did not record