Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

This light requires a source of illumination, which is, in this case, your work and
positiveness as believers. It is as if the Ayahs tell you to find the source of light so as
to illuminate the whole society. This is why the beginning of the Surah was a strong
one. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(This is) a Surah which We have
sent down and which We have enjoined” (TMQ, 24: 1), as it calls for acting
positively and illuminating the society by Allah’s (SWT) light.
Clarifying ayahs
Amongst the creative points in the Qur’an, is that it stresses the word “light” to refer
to Allah’s (SWT) laws. What are then the most distinguished features of light They
can be summed up in three words: guidance, manifestation and revelation.
As light reveals truths, the words “manifest” and “plain Ayahs” are repeated in the
Surah nine times. The Surah begins with Allah’s (SWT) saying what can be translated
as, “and in it We have revealed manifest Ayahs” (TMQ, 24: 1). After speaking
about every set of social rules, there comes Allah’s words that can be translated as,
“And Allah makes the Ayahs plain to you” (TMQ, 24: 18), or his words that can
be translated as, “And indeed We have sent down for you Ayahs (proofs, evidence,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) that make things plain” (TMQ, 24: 34).
These laws are the guide of believers to the right path.
This is also the reason why Lady Aisha’s innocence was revealed in this Surah, as
light reveals truths.
That’s also why the Surah puts the condition of bringing four witnesses, a fact which
in itself provides the evidence before the adultery penalty can be applied. This
evidence is the revealer and the light.
Please let this Surah, as well as the rules of social conduct included in it, be a guiding
light to you and your family. You should also hang on to Allah’s (SWT) laws so as to
enlighten your society with it and lead all the people to spread light in the whole
world.