Surah Nur

Surah Nur is the twenty-fourth surah in the Qur'an. It is a Medinan surah that was revealed near the end of the fifth or beginning of the sixth year of Hijrah. The content of the surah is related to the incident that happened with Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) and the false accusations made against her.

Verses 1-31 address the social issues of the Muslims as they transition out of the Jahiliya period into the light of Islam. Allah swt opens the surah by establishing the importance of protecting the decency and modesty of the Muslims in society. He swt describes the various situations of accusations made against others. He lays out the consequences for each, including the accuser if they cannot bring all four witnesses to support their accusation. Allah swt has set guidelines for us to protect society and bring and maintain social order.

In verse 21 and 22 Allah swt reminds us that Shaytan has vowed to call us to sin and wrongdoing. The historical context of this verse reminds Muslims that it is never acceptable to respond to injustice with injustice. If we do not remain steadfast in the face of trial, Shaytan takes advantage of our weakened state and tries to call us to respond to our tests in any way that is displeasing to Allah. Shaytan tries to take us in steps. This verse was in reference to the father of Aisha, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with them both). His own cousin, whom he supported out of his kindness, was amongst those making accusations against Aisha. Abu Bakr desired to withhold his support to his cousin as penance for his lies. But Abu Bakr was a man of such character that he chose to show kindness rather than anger. Allah swt is always forgiving of His servant, should we not attempt to do the same?

Surah Nur also discusses the issues of privacy and modesty. In verse 27 and 28, Allah explains the appropriate Islamic etiquette entering upon another's personal property. He reminds us to seek permission and exchange greetings. If a person is denied permission, or if the house is vacant at the time, they should leave gracefully, without any resentment. Verse 30 and 31 then talk about modesty. This is something extremely important for Muslims today to keep in mind in all interactions. Similar to what we read above, Allah places punishment that is suitable for a crime. Similarly He recognizes the weaknesses of His creations and places the necessary restrictions to maintain balance and protection. Allah swt declares the limitations of the gaze, particularly for the man, and the guarding of modesty, particularly for the women, except to certain male relatives. Allah swt uses the Arabic word "Khimar" a veil covering her head and chest. Unfortunately today we see many people struggle with this command of Allah. It is important for us to remember that Allah swt did not decree things because they are easy; He did so because He knows these things to be good for us as individuals and as a community. If you find any command of Allah to be a struggle, do not abandon it, but work harder to fulfill it and Allah will multiply the reward for your effort.

Verse 35 uses the metaphor of a light. The light is the spark for the spiritual flame in the heart of the believer. The oil that keeps it burning is the righteous deeds we engage in and our ibadah. The oil comes from a blessed tree that is the Qur'an and our belief in Allah alone. But like any flame, it needs to be protected from the wind. The wind in this metaphor is the sin we commit that takes life out of the spirit. But we must not lose hope if the light becomes weak; the flame regains its strength through continuing good deeds. Over time the glass around the light may become darkened by smoke but cleaning the heart is like cleaning the glass, and once it has been cleaned, the light will shine through again.

In contrast the unbelievers state is like a person in the middle of the dark deep ocean. The dark and stormy waves prevent them from even seeing their own outstretched hand. They are lost in the depths of darkness without any light to guide them. They rejected the light of the Qur'an that Allah offered to them and this is result of their rejection.

Allah swt ends this surah with a strong message to all of humanity, "They swear their strongest oaths By Allah that, if only thou wouldst command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: "Swear ye not: Obedience in more reasonable; Verily, Allah is well acquainted with all that you do." Allah swt is telling us in this verse that it does not suffice to say we believe in Allah, but that we have to back these words up with our actions. We say that we are committing ourselves to Allah but if we do not obey His commands or abandon what He forbids. We must work hard to make Islam a religion that we live, not just that we proclaim.