Conclusion from Al-Tabari’s interpretation | Episode (24-3) | Surah Al-Nour

0:00 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

0:05 Summary of Tafsir al-Tabari.

0:08 Abridged by Dr. 'Aqil ibn Salim al-Shammari.

0:14 Surah al-Nur.

0:18 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

0:23 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

0:27 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

0:35 The lamp is within a glass.

0:38 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

0:51 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

1:04 Light upon light.

1:07 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

1:13 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

1:22 Allah is the Guide of whoever is in the heavens and the earth.

1:26 Thus, by His light, they are guided to the truth.

1:29 This is like how He illuminated the truth through this revelation and its clear explanation.

1:33 "The parable of His light is that of a niche"

1:35 Which is the pillar or stand of the lantern containing the wick.

1:39 That is equivalent to a recess in a wall that has no opening through it.

1:45 Inside the niche is a lamp,

1:47 Which represents the Qur'an and clear signs residing in the heart of the believer.

1:53 The lamp is within a glass vessel,

1:55 And this is another parable for the Qur'an.

1:58 He means:

1:59 The Qur'an that resides in the heart of the believer, whose chest Allah has illuminated.

2:05 Then He likens the chest—in its purity from disbelief in Allah and doubt in Him,

2:09 Its illumination by the light of the Qur'an,

2:12 And its seeking light from the clarifying verses and admonitions of its Lord—

2:17 To a brilliant star.

2:20 So He said:

2:21 "The glass..."

2:22 This refers to the chest of the believer, which contains his heart.

2:26 "...as if it were a brilliant star."

2:28 Meaning, one by which the devils are repelled and pelted.

2:31 The glass is lit by its lighter from a blessed tree.

2:36 The lamp's fuel comes from the oil of a blessed tree.

2:39 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

2:43 Located in a place where nothing shields it from the sun;

2:47 The sun rises upon it and sets upon it.

2:50 The oil of this olive tree almost glows due to its purity and brilliant radiance,

2:56 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

2:58 Even before fire touches it.

3:01 Thus, the proofs of Allah—exalted be His mention—upon His creation

3:05 Almost shine with clarity and self-evidence for anyone who reflects and observes,

3:10 Or turns towards them and considers them,

3:13 Even if Allah had not added further clarity and exposition by revealing this Qur'an to them

3:19 To alert them to His Oneness.

3:22 So how much more so when He alerts and reminds them through its verses,

3:26 Adding thereby proof upon proof beyond what He had already established against them before?

3:31 That is clarification from Allah, and a light added to the existing clarification—

3:35 The light that He had already placed and established for them prior to its revelation.

3:40 Allah guides to the following of His light whomever He wills among His servants.

3:45 Allah presents parables and similitudes for mankind,

3:49 For Allah sets forth parables and other teachings,

3:52 Being All-Knowing.

3:54 “(This lamp is found) in houses which Allah hath allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him at morn and evening.” (24:36)

4:01 “(This lamp is found) in houses which Allah hath allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him at morn and evening.” (24:36)

4:09 “Men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth from remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due; who fear a day when hearts and eyeballs will be overturned;” (24:37)

4:16 And establishing prayer and paying zakat.

4:24 “Men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth from remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due; who fear a day when hearts and eyeballs will be overturned;” (24:37)

4:35 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

4:38 “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.” (24:35)

4:42 In houses of worship that Allah has ordered to be raised in status,

4:46 And has granted permission to His servants that His Name be mentioned therein.

4:50 Glorifying Him in these houses morning and evening

4:54 Are men who are not distracted—these men who perform prayer—

5:00 By trade or sale from the remembrance of Allah and devoted obedience to Him.

5:05 They fear a Day when hearts will be overturned from its horror,

5:09 Vacillating between hope for salvation and dread of destruction,

5:13 And eyes will turn about, uncertain which direction they will be led,

5:17 Whether to the right or to the left,

5:20 And from where they will be handed their record of deeds:

5:23 From their right sides or from their left sides?

5:27 And that is on the Day of Resurrection.

5:30 “That Allah may reward them with the best of what they did, and increase reward for them of His bounty. Allah giveth blessings without stint to whom He will.” (24:38)

5:38 And Allah provides for whomever He wills without measure.

5:47 “Men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth from remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due; who fear a day when hearts and eyeballs will be overturned;” (24:37)

5:51 And they established prayer and paid zakat,

5:54 And obeyed their Lord out of fear of His punishment on the Day of Resurrection,

5:59 So that Allah may reward them on the Day of Resurrection according to the best of their deeds that they did in the worldly life,

6:05 And increase them beyond their due reward,

6:07 Bestowing upon them out of His favor whatever He pleases of His honor.

6:12 For Allah bestows His favor upon whomever He wills, giving what they have not earned through their deeds

6:18 Nor attained through their obedience,

6:20 Without calling them to account for what He has granted and bestowed upon them.

6:38 “As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are as a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one supposeth it to be water till he cometh unto it and findeth it naught, and findeth, in the place thereof, Allah Who payeth him his due; and Allah is swift at reckoning.” (24:39)

6:45 “As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are as a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one supposeth it to be water till he cometh unto it and findeth it naught, and findeth, in the place thereof, Allah Who payeth him his due; and Allah is swift at reckoning.” (24:39)

6:52 And Allah is swift in reckoning.

6:57 As for those who deny the Oneness of their Lord,

7:00 The parable of the deeds they performed is that of a mirage

7:04 In a vast, open expanse of land.

7:07 A thirsty person imagines the mirage to be water,

7:11 Until when the thirsty man reaches the mirage seeking water,

7:15 He finds that the mirage is nothing at all.

7:18 Likewise, the disbelievers in Allah are deceived by the deeds they performed:

7:24 They reckon that these deeds will save them from Allah's punishment.

7:29 But this disbeliever will find Allah lying in wait for him at his destruction,

7:33 And He will pay him in full on the Day of Resurrection the account of his deeds performed in the worldly life,

7:39 Recompensing him with the punishment he fully deserves.

7:43 And Allah is swift in His reckoning,

7:45 Because—exalted be His mention—He has no need to count on fingers

7:50 Nor to memorize in a heart;

7:52 Rather, He knows all of it before the servant performs it,

7:57 And after he performs it.

8:04 “Or as darkness on a vast, abysmal sea. There covereth him a wave, above which is a wave, above which is a cloud. Layer upon layer of darkness. When he holdeth out his hand he scarce can see it. And he for whom Allah hath not appointed light, for him there is no light.” (24:40)

8:15 “Or as darkness on a vast, abysmal sea. There covereth him a wave, above which is a wave, above which is a cloud. Layer upon layer of darkness. When he holdeth out his hand he scarce can see it. And he for whom Allah hath not appointed light, for him there is no light.” (24:40)

8:24 “Or as darkness on a vast, abysmal sea. There covereth him a wave, above which is a wave, above which is a cloud. Layer upon layer of darkness. When he holdeth out his hand he scarce can see it. And he for whom Allah hath not appointed light, for him there is no light.” (24:40)

8:32 The parable of these disbelievers' deeds—in that they were done in error and futility—

8:38 Is like layers of darkness within a deep, vast sea with abundant water,

8:44 Overwhelmed by a wave,

8:46 Above which is another wave overwhelming it,

8:50 And above the second wave are clouds.

8:53 Thus He made the layers of darkness a parable for their deeds,

8:56 And the deep sea a parable for the heart of the disbeliever,

9:00 Meaning he acted with the intention of a heart engulfed in ignorance,

9:06 Covered over by misguidance and confusion,

9:08 Just as this deep sea is covered by a wave, above which is a wave, above which are clouds.

9:15 When an observer stretches out his hand in these darknesses, he can hardly see it.

9:21 And whoever Allah does not grant faith, guidance from misguidance, and understanding of His Book,

9:27 Has no faith, guidance, or understanding of His Book whatsoever.

9:55 Do you not see, O Muhammad, with your heart's insight,

9:58 And know that Allah is glorified by all who are in the heavens and the earth—among angels, humans, and jinn—

10:05 As well as the birds spreading their wings in the air, all praising Him?

10:10 Every single one of them who prays and glorifies—

10:13 Allah fully knows its prayer and its glorification.

10:16 And Allah is All-Knowing of what every praying and glorifying creature does;

10:22 Nothing of their actions is hidden from Him,

10:25 For He encompasses all of it,

10:27 And He will recompense them for all of it.

10:39 To Allah belongs the dominion and sovereignty of the heavens and the earth,

10:43 So fear Him alone, O people!

10:47 For to Him, after your death, is your ultimate return and destination,

10:52 Whereupon He will pay you your rewards in full for your deeds.

11:00 [Do you not see that Allah] drives clouds, then joins them together,

11:07 Then stacks them into a heap,

11:14 And you see the rain coming forth from between them?

11:18 And He sends down from the sky,

11:24 From mountains [of clouds] therein containing hail...

11:28 “Hast thou not seen how Allah wafteth the clouds, then gathereth them, then maketh them layers, and thou seest the rain come forth from between them; He sendeth down from the heaven mountains wherein is hail, and smiteth therewith whom He will, and averteth it from whom He will. The flashing of His lightning all but snatcheth away the sight.” (24:43)

11:44 Do you not see, O Muhammad, that Allah drives clouds to wherever He wills, then joins the scattered clouds together, and then stacks them layer upon layer?

12:00 Thus you see the rain coming out from between the clouds. As for His words: "And He sends down from the sky, from mountains therein containing hail," it is said to mean that Allah sends down hail from actual mountains created in the sky.

12:19 The other opinion is that Allah sends down from the sky a quantity of hail equivalent to mountains down to the earth, striking with it whomever He wills to destroy him or destroy his crops and property, and averting it from whomever He wills of His creation, sparing their crops and property. The intense flash of these clouds' lightning almost snatches away the sight of anyone who looks toward it.

12:46 “Allah causeth the revolution of the day and the night. Lo! herein is indeed a lesson for those who see.” (24:44)

12:59 Allah causes the night and the day to alternate and replaces them: when one departs, the other comes. Indeed, in Allah's creation of the clouds, His sending down of rain from them, His sending down of hail from the sky, and His alternation of the night and the day, there is a profound lesson for whoever takes heed, for that points to and demonstrates that all of this has a Supreme Controller and Disposer.

13:26 “Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.” (24:45)

13:53 “Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.” (24:45)

14:05 Allah created every living creature from a drop of fluid: among them are those that crawl on their bellies, like snakes and the like;

14:15 Among them are those that walk on two legs, like birds; and among them are those that walk on four, like cattle. Allah creates whatever creation He wills. Indeed, Allah possesses total power over creating all of that and creating whatever other things He wills; nothing He intends is impossible for Him.

14:38 “Verily We have sent down revelations and explained them. Allah guideth whom He will unto a straight path.” (24:46)

14:53 We have indeed revealed, O people, clear signs that guide to the path of truth, and Allah guides whomever He wills of His creation through His divine grace, directing them to the religion of Islam, which is the straight path wherein there is no crookedness.

15:12 “And they say: We believe in Allah and the messenger, and we obey; then after that a faction of them turn away. Such are not believers.” (24:47)

15:36 The hypocrites say: "We believe in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey Allah and we obey the Messenger." Then a group of them turns away after making this statement, turning away from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and calling for judgment to be sought from someone else in their disputes.

15:58 Those who make this statement—"We believe in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey"—are not true believers, because they abandoned seeking judgment from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.

16:11 “And when they appeal unto Allah and His messenger to judge between them, lo! a faction of them are averse;” (24:48)

16:21 And when these hypocrites are called to the Book of Allah and to His Messenger so that he may judge between them in their disputes according to the judgment of Allah, a group of them turns away, refusing to accept the truth and to be content with the judgment of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.

16:39 “But if right had been with them they would have come unto him willingly.” (24:49)

16:46 But if the right happens to be on the side of those who were called to Allah and His Messenger for judgment, they come to the Messenger of Allah submissively, yielding to his judgment and acknowledging it.

17:00 “Is there in their hearts a disease, or have they doubts, or fear they lest Allah and His messenger should wrong them in judgment? Nay, but such are evil-doers.” (24:50)

17:16 Is there a disease of doubt in the hearts of those who turn away when called to Allah and His Messenger for judgment—doubting whether the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is truly Allah's Messenger,

17:29 Such that they refuse to respond to his judgment or be content with it?

17:34 Or do they fear that Allah and His Messenger will act unjustly toward them if they seek judgment from the Book of Allah and the ruling of His Messenger?

17:42 Rather, those who turn away from the judgment of Allah and the judgment of His Messenger are a people who wrong themselves by disobeying their Lord's command.

17:51 “The saying of (all true) believers when they appeal unto Allah and His messenger to judge between them is only that they say: We hear and we obey. And such are the successful.” (24:51)

18:13 The proper response of the believers, when called to the judgment of Allah and His Messenger to settle disputes between them and their adversaries, should only be to say: "We hear what is said to us, and we obey whoever called us to it." It is those who will be successful, abiding eternally in the Gardens of Allah.

18:35 And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, fears Allah, and remains mindful of Him—it is those who are the attainers of success.

18:51 Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger in what He has commanded and forbidden, fears the evil consequence of disobeying Allah, and guards against Allah's punishment by obeying Him in His commands and prohibitions—it is those who will attain Allah's pleasure on the Day of Resurrection and safety from His punishment.

19:12 Summary of Tafsir al-Tabari.

Conclusion from Al-Tabari’s interpretation | Episode (24-3) | Surah Al-Nour | Verses from (35) to (52)

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