Title: Meaning of the Similitude in Al-Noor 24: 35 Question: Could you please help me in understanding the meaning of the verse below: 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. (Al-Noor 24: 35) Kindly explain the meaning behind various similitudes namely Light, glass, Oil, niche etc. mentioned in the verse. Regards, Naina India Answer: The referred verse stresses the point that it is in fact the belief in the existence of God that gives meaning and sense to all that enjoys existence. Without the belief in the existence of God, everything lacks meaning and purpose. The sentence "God is the light of the heavens and the earth" implies that it is the existence of God, as the ultimate planner and the creator which gives meaning and purpose to the physical universe that spreads around us. This belief brings them out of the darkness of doubts and skepticism into bright light. It is like the light provided by a lamp - secured against the winds by unblemished glass, which is clean as a shining star, increasing the brightness of the light - placed at a raised niche - spreading its light to the far off corners of the room. The lamp is burnt with the purest of oils taken from the best of trees raised at the most suitable of lands, which increases the brightness of the light. The purity of the oil is such that it would catch fire without even being fully ignited. Belief in the existence of God enlightens the heart of the believer with a light that is pure, bright, beneficial and secure from all flickering. It is fully capable of fighting the onslaught of disbelief and the attacks of the Satan. It is not a light that enlightens the inner self of the believer only, but is one that benefits others as well. The true beneficiaries of this light are those, who have kept the inherent guidance that God had provided them safe and upright. Their inherent nature is like pure oil, which catches fire even without being fully ignited. Thus, for them, this light is in fact a "Light upon their existing light", which has increased the brightness of their hearts manifolds. I hope the foregoing explanation will help you better understand the referred verse. Regards, Moiz Amjad July 8, 2002