Meaning & Explanation
An-Nur is the Light of the heavens and earth. He illuminates the universe with physical light and illuminates hearts with the light of faith. He guides to His light whom He wills. Without His light, there would be only darkness.
Quran References
2 versesContext: The famous Verse of Light
اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth”
Context: Guidance as light from Allah
يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ
“Allah guides to His light whom He wills”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Light in the Grave
Reference: Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasa'i
The Prophet ﷺ described the condition of the believer in the grave: "When the believer is placed in his grave, he is approached for questioning. He testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. That is what is meant by Allah's saying: 'Allah keeps firm those who believe with the firm word in worldly life and in the Hereafter.' (14:27)" An-Nur's light illuminates the darkness of the grave for the believer. The Prophet ﷺ also said that Surah Al-Mulk intercedes for its reciter until it causes him to be forgiven, providing light in the dark grave.
An-Nur's light illuminates even the darkness of the grave for the believer. Seek His light now through faith and Quran, and it will illuminate your path into the next life.