Verse of Light
Ayat An-Nur is a Verse in the Quran Full of Meaning
The verse of light found within the pages of the Quran has sparked many narrations over the last 1400 years. Mystics, philosophers, and the most mundane of narrators have written volumes about this one particular verse found in the pages of the Quran.
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.” (Quran 24:35)
The Lamp
Within the crude matter of a niche sits a beautiful lamp. Lamps are a combination of various materials from the earth, which are brought together to produce the ability to carry fire for the purpose of lighting an area, a room, or the way. To carry the metaphor further, the fire is lit in such a way as to light an entire room to produce little to no areas of darkness. This lighting allows that which was in darkness to now be revealed. The glass of the lamp is polished to allow for the best transmission of the light to flow and reveal.
The Tree
The tree has been used in many spiritual circles as a symbol of peace and growth. There was one at the center of the Garden from which Adam was to draw his substance. Other traditions use the palm branch in religious ceremonies. There are even flags carried by different countries with a tree as its centerpiece. In the Kabbalah the symbol of spiritual progression resembles a tree. Here in the Quran it represents the potential for feeding that which is involved with the development of positive qualities. Thus the oil from the tree to light the lamp is of a pure source without any deficiency. Not degraded by poor soil or uneven sunlight; created in the best possible manner.
The Fire
The fire is the source of the light that is lit from oil so pure that it glows before the flame touches it. Thus the fire cannot claim that it is the source from which the light springs. But is in itself a tool used for the transmission of the light.
The Lesson
There are many lessons taught from the parable of the lamp. As such the source of all true light comes from the Divine. No one or thing within the confines of creation can claim that he or she is the discoverer of truth and understanding. The light is simply reflected through sources that have been polished to transmit the light as clear as possible to anyone desiring a release from the darkness of their own lower self.
"Lit is such a Light"
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