Lecture Notes on The Parable of Light in the Quran

Introduction

The lecture begins by discussing one of the most profound parables in the Quran: "Allah is the light of the skies and the Earth."
Two types of light are discussed: the external divine light (e.g., sun, heavenly bodies) and the internal light within humans, specifically in believers.

Human beings have a special attribute, the "Ruh" (soul), which was blown into us by Allah.
The Ruh reflects certain attributes of Allah:
- Allah is Al-Hadi, the Guide, and humans seek guidance.
- Allah is Al-Alim, the All-Knowing, and humans seek knowledge.
- Allah is Al-Adl, Justice, and humans are drawn to justice.
There's a reflection, not a part of, the divine attributes within the human soul.

Allah uses the metaphor of a niche and a lamp to describe the believer's heart.
Niche (Mishkat):
- Saves space and spreads light gently without obstruction.
- Directs light in a focused manner, teaching the believer to focus on priorities.
- Provides ambient lighting, suggesting the believer spreads light softly and gently.
- Acts as a security mechanism, protecting the fire (light) from causing destruction.
Lamp (Misbah):
- A tool to simulate the morning, signifying the believer's light is a reflection of divine light.
- Requires human effort to shine — needs to be fueled and lit, emphasizing the potential within humans to kindle their inner light.

The lamp is within a glass, protecting it and allowing the light to spread.
The glass symbolizes:
- Protection from external elements.
- The need for continuous maintenance (cleaning) to avoid the light being muddied.
The oil represents the purity required for sustaining the light, with a reference to the blessed olive tree.

The source of the oil is a tree neither eastern nor western, implying:
- The perfect exposure to light, symbolizing the pure and perfect source of spiritual light.
- A spiritual heritage free from human cultural biases.

The Quran is described as light, which combines with the innate light within humans.
The believer's light (faith) and the light of revelation meet, creating an intensified light ("light upon light").

The Quran balances legal (jurisprudential) aspects with spiritual insights, unlike previous religious traditions that veered heavily towards one aspect.

The parable is presented as an example for all people, not just believers, suggesting everyone has the potential to discover this inner light.

The parable demonstrates the interconnectedness of divine light and human potential.
Allah's knowledge encompasses everything, and the example is a simplified aid for human understanding.

The lecture concludes with a call to action for listeners to continuously fuel their relationship with the Quran to maintain and rejuvenate their inner light.
Encourages sharing the message and becoming ambassadors for Bayyinah TV for systematic Quranic studies.