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24. THE LIGHT

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In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

1. A chapter which We have sent down, and which We have ordained, and through which We have sent down clear signs, that you may be mindful, 2. The adulteress and the adulterer, flog each of them (with) hundred stripes, and pity for them should not withhold you in (implementing) the law of Allah if you believe in Allah and the period hereafter, and let a party of believers witness their punishment. 3. The adulterer shall not marry any but an adulteress or a polytheist (woman). And the adulteress, none shall marry her except an adulterer or a polytheist, and that is forbidden to the believers. 4. And those who accuse chaste women then do not bring four witnesses, flog them (with) eighty stripes and do not accept their testimony forever, and those are the persons who exceed the limits, 5. except those who repent after that and mend (themselves),then Allah is certainly Protectively Forgiving, Merciful. 6. And those who accuse their wives and have no witnesses except themselves, then the testimony of one of them (may be accepted if) he bears witness (by swearing) four times by Allah that he is certainly of those who are truthful, 7. and the fifth (time) that Allah's curse be on him if he is of those who lie. 8. And it shall turn off the punishment from her if she testifies (and) bears witness (by swearing) four times by Allah that he is certainly of those who lie,

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9. and the fifth (time), that Allah's anger be upon her if he is of those who are truthful. 10. And had the grace of Allah not been on you with His mercy, and that Allah is the Accepter of repentance, Wise, (then you would have been at a loss). (R 1) 11. Those who came up with the devised falsehood {1} are certainly a group from among you. Do not think that it is harmful for you, no, it is good for you. For every man among them, is that which he has earned of the sin, and he among them who is responsible to a greater extent (regarding devising the falsehood), for him there is a great punishment. 12. Why did the believing men and the believing women, on hearing the (devised falsehood), not have good thoughts in their souls (minds) and say, "This is clearly a devised falsehood?" 13. Why did they not come up with four witnesses over it (if they were speaking the truth)? So when they did not come with witnesses, then they are the liars before Allah. 14. And had the grace of Allah not been on you with His mercy in this world and the hereafter, a great punishment would have afflicted you because of the talk you indulged in, 15. when you were speaking (about) it with your tongues and saying with your mouths that about which you had no knowledge and you thought it to be an easy (matter) but with Allah it was great. 16. And when you heard it, why did you not say, "It is not (suitable) for us to talk about this, glory be to You (Allah), this is a great false charge?" 17. Allah admonishes you that you should never return to the like of it, if you are believers. 18. And Allah makes clear to you the signs and Allah is Knowing, Wise. 19. For those who love that indecent things should spread among those who believe, there will certainly be a painful

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punishment in this world and the hereafter, and Allah knows while you do not know. 20. And had the grace of Allah not been on you with His mercy, and that Allah is full of pity, Merciful, (then you would have been at a loss). (R 2, P 17 )

21. O you who believe! Do not follow the footsteps of the devil, and whoever follows the footsteps of the devil, then he will certainly enjoin indecency and that which is not recognized (as good), and had the grace of Allah not been on you with His mercy, not (even) one of you would have ever been pure, but Allah purifies whom He wills and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. 22. And do not let those of you who possess grace and (financial) capability (to help), swear not to give to relatives and to the poor and the migrants in the way of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Do you not like that Allah should (also) protectively forgive you? And Allah is Protectively Forgiving, Merciful.

23. Those who accuse chaste innocent believing women, they are certainly cursed in this world and the hereafter and for them there will be a great punishment (on) 24. the day their tongues and their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to that which they used to do. 25. On that day Allah will pay in full their due reward and they will come to know that Allah is the Manifest Truth.

26. Bad women are for bad men and bad men are for bad women, and good women are for good men and good men are for good women, they are free from that which they say. For them is protective forgiveness and an honourable provision. (R 3)

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27. O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own houses until you have asked for permission and greeted by invoking peace on the people living in them, that is better for you that you may be mindful.

28. And if you do not find anyone therein then do not enter them until permission is given to you, and if it is said to you, "Go back," then go back, that is purer for you, and Allah is the Knower of that which you do. 29. There is no sin on you if you enter non residential buildings wherein your provision (is stored), and Allah knows that which you manifest and that which you hide.

30. Say to the believing men that they should keep their looks down and guard their private parts, that is purer for them. Allah is certainly informed of that which they do.

31. And say to the believing women that they should keep their looks down and guard their private parts, and that they should not let their beauty be exposed, except that which appears thereof, and that they should draw their head covering over their bosoms and not let their beauty be exposed (by removing their head covering), except before their husbands or their fathers or fathers of their husbands or their sons or their husband's sons (through other wives) or their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or their women or those whom their right hands possess (slave girls) or male servants not having need (of women) or children who have no knowledge of hidden parts of women, and they should not strike their feet so as to make known that which is hidden of their beauty. And turn to Allah all together, O believers! That you may be made successful.

32. And arrange for the marriage of those among you who are

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single and the righteous among your male and female slaves (servants). If they are in poverty Allah will enrich them out of His grace and Allah is Omnipresent (Ample-giving), Knowing.

33. And let those who do not find the means to marry, restrain (themselves by keeping chaste), till Allah enriches them out of His grace. And from among those whom your right hands possess (slaves), those who seek a written (declaration from you for freeing themselves by paying you some money), then write it for them if you know any good in them and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution when they intend to be chaste, in order to seek the apparent good of the life of this world, and whoever compels them, then after their being compelled, Allah is certainly Protectively Forgiving, Merciful.

34. And We have sent down to you clear signs and the example of those who have passed away before you and an admonition for those who guard (against evil). (R 4)

35. Allah is the light of the skies and the earth. The likeness of His light is like an enclosure with one opening in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, the glass is as if it were a brilliant shining planet,(the lamp) is lit from a blessed olive tree, neither eastern nor western, whose oil is almost inflammable although fire has not (even) touched it, light upon light, Allah guides to His light whom He wills and Allah sets forth similitudes for mankind and Allah is the Knower of everything. 36. (His light is) in houses which Allah has ordered to be elevated and in which His name is remembered, He is glorified therein in the mornings and the evenings,

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37. (by) men whom neither commerce nor trade diverts from the remembrance of Allah and the establishment of worship (salat) and giving of charity (zakat), they fear the day on which the hearts and the eyes will be overturned, 38. (and hope) that Allah will reward them with (something) better than that which they did and increase their (reward) out of His grace; and Allah provides without measure to whom He wills. 39. And (as for) those who do not believe, their deeds will be like a mirage in the desert, which the thirsty person supposes to be water until when he comes to it and finds it to be nothing, and finds Allah with him (to take his account of deeds), so He pays in full to him that which is due to him and Allah is Quick in (settling) the account.

40. Or like darkness in the deep sea, there covers him a wave, above which is another wave above which is a cloud, (layers of) darkness one above another, when he takes out his hand he is almost unable to see it; and he for whom Allah does not assign light, for him then, there is no light. (R 5)

41. Did you not consider that Allah is He Whom do glorify all who are in the skies and the earth and the birds (too) with wings spread out? Each one knows its worship (method of submission for close association with Allah) and its glorification (method of being occupied obeying Allah's orders). And Allah is the Knower of that which they do. 42. And Allah's is the kingdom of the skies and the earth and towards Allah is the destination. 43. Did you not consider that (it is) Allah (Who) causes the driving of the clouds then the unification between them, then He makes them a heap, so you see the rain coming out of the spaces in between them, and He causes (the rain) to be sent down from the sky, from the mountainous volumes therein of coolness {2}, then He causes it to fall on whom He wills and turns it away from whom He wills, the flash of

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His lightning almost takes away the sights.

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44. Allah causes the oscillation of the night and the day, in that there is certainly a lesson for those who have insight. 45. And Allah created every moving creature from water, so among them is one that moves on its stomach and among them is one that walks on its two feet and among them is one that walks on four (legs). Allah creates what He wills, Allah certainly has power over everything. 46. We have indeed sent down clear signs, and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path. 47. And they say, "We believe in Allah and in the messenger and we will obey," then a party from among them turns away after that (commitment), and those are not with the believers. 48. And when they are invited towards Allah and His messenger that he may judge between them, then a party from among them turns away. 49. And if the right (that is due to them) is on their side, they come to him being fast in obedience. 50. Is there a disease in their hearts or are they in doubt or do they fear that Allah and His messenger will act with prejudice against them, no, they themselves are the unjust. ( R 6, P 17 ) 51. The statement of the believers, when they are invited towards Allah and His messenger that He may judge between them, is only that they say, "We have heard and we obey," and those are the successful persons. 52. And one who obeys Allah and His messenger and fears Allah being careful of Him, then those are the persons who are achievers (of success). 53. And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths, that if you command them they will definitely go out (to fight in the cause of Allah). Say, Do not swear, recognized obedience

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(is required of you), Allah is certainly informed of that which you do." 54. Say, "Obey Allah and obey the messenger, but if you turn away, then on him (the messenger, is the responsibility of) that which he is to bear and on you (is the responsibility of) that which you are to bear. And if you obey him you will be guided, and there is no other responsibility on the messenger except clear conveyance (of the message)." 55. Allah has promised those of you who believe and do righteous works that He will definitely make them successors (rulers) in the earth like those before them whom He had made successors, and He will definitely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and after their fear, He will definitely change for them their (condition and grant them) peace. They will serve Me, not associating anything with Me, and whoever is ungrateful after that then those are the persons who are transgressors. 56. And establish worship (salat) and give charity (zakat) and obey the messenger so that you may be dealt with mercifully. 57. Do not think that those who do not believe will be defeaters in the earth when their settling place is the fire, and it is an evil destination. (R 7)

58. O you who believe! Let those whom your right hands possess (slaves/servants) and those among you who have not reached the age of puberty seek your permission three times: Before the worship (salat) of dawn, and at the time when you put off your clothes due to afternoon heat, and after the worship (salat) of night. (These are the) three times of privacy for you. There is no sin on you or on them beyond (these) times if they move about you, some (attending) on others. Thus Allah makes clear to you the signs and Allah is Knowing, Wise.

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59. And when the children among you attain the age of puberty, let them (also) seek permission like those before them (had) sought permission. Thus Allah makes clear to you His signs and Allah is Knowing, Wise.

60. And the elderly among the women who have no hope of marriage, there is no sin on them if they put off their (extra) clothes without exposure of (the things of their) beauty, but if they restrain (themselves even from this) it is better for them, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

61. There is no blame on the blind nor is there blame on the lame nor is there blame on the sick nor on yourselves that you eat from your own houses or houses of your fathers or houses of your mothers or houses of your brothers or houses of your sisters or houses of your father's brothers or houses of your father's sisters or houses of your mothers' brothers or houses of your mothers' sisters or (from places) the keys of which are in your control or (from) your friend. There is no sin on you if you eat together or separately. So when you enter houses then greet (by invoking peace) among yourselves, a blessed pleasingly good greeting from Allah. Thus Allah makes clear to you the signs that you may understand. (R 8)

62. Only those are believers who believe in Allah and His messenger and when they are with him on an affair of common interest, they do not go away until they have asked for his permission. Those who ask for your permission, those are certainly the persons who believe in Allah and His messenger, so when they ask for your permission for some affair of theirs, permit those of them whom you will, and seek protective forgiveness for them from Allah. Allah is certainly Protectively Forgiving, Merciful.

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63. Do not make the invitation of the messenger to you (for religious works) like your invitation of one another. Allah indeed knows those of you who steal away, hiding themselves. Let those who go against his order beware, lest a trial afflict them or they be afflicted with a painful punishment. 64. Beware! Whatever is in the skies and the earth is certainly Allah's. He indeed knows that on which you are, and the day they are returned to Him, He will inform them about that which they did, and Allah is the Knower of everything. (R 9)

Summarized Commentary
Chapter 24 (Revealed at Madina)

Vs 1 In this chapter instructions are given regarding some social problems. Vs 23 Illegal sexual intercourse is a grave sin, therefore the punishment too is severe and is to be watched by others so that fearing this punishment they should keep away from it. A polytheist makes others to share the privileges of Allah (SWT) exhibiting divided loyalty. An adulterer makes another woman share the privileges of his existing wife, would be wife or ex-wife. It is probably in view of this it is stated that an adulterer should marry an adulteress i.e. a woman of this category or a polytheist woman similarly an adulteress. Vs 45 The punishment for defaming chaste women is 80% of the punishment for illegal sexual intercourse. Such social evils sometimes ruin the chances of the marriage of descent woman.

Vs 610 The procedure to be followed when a husband blames his wife is given. Vs1126 Refer to Explanatory notes No.1 Ch:24 Vs:11. Vs 2729 Some intimate relatives and friends enter houses without seeking permission. If the inmates of the house are not in a presentable condition it will cause embarrassment to both. Vs 30 Illegal relationship between a man and a woman normally start through looks. If the very first act is checked i.e. if looks are kept down, it will avoid all subsequent acts. Vs 31 It is probably when women go out or have visitors at home that they should wear head covers covering their bosoms. They can move about without head covers in their houses before people living in the house listed in the

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verse. Inspite of the head cover a woman will not be able to hide her height or slimness etc. She is summarily advised not to attract the attention of men by exposing her beauty or in some other manner. Vs 32 -34 Instructions are given to arrange for the marriages of the unmarried, the widows and the slaves, male and female. Those who cannot afford to marry are advised to remain chaste. Slaves are to be freed and in addition given some money probably for starting some business. Slave girls are not to be forced into prostitution, they should be married as stated above in Vs 32 and also in Ch: 4 Vs: 25. Vs 3538 The word Noor is used for moon light which does not contain heat like the sun light for which the word Ziya is used Ch: 10: Vs: 5. Mishkaat is a shelf-like space in a wall or pillar. Misbaah means a lamp in which a fuel burns to give light and heat, in this case the fuel is a highly inflammable olive oil which is not localized. Zujajah means a glass and Kawkab in view of its association with the sun and the moon (Ch: 12 Vs: 4) would mean a planet. A planet is an opaque body reflecting light where as a star is self luminous like a lamp. Durriyyun means shinning, therefore Kawkabun Durriyyun would mean an opaqe planet reflecting light, like a mirror made of glass. In this similitude it appears that the shelf like space in a wall or a pillar is lined by mirrors which reflect the light of the lamp just like the head lights of a car, the bulb inside which is enclosed in a reflecting conical surface. In a closed room, there is light over light i.e. the reflected light added to the original light makes the environment very bright. We can see only through the reflected light. Moonlight is the external Noor and the guidance contained in the Quran is internal Noor which gives rise to belief, certainty, piety etc. External Noor makes objects of this world clear whereas internal Noor makes the hereafter clear. Internal Noor sometimes radiates from the faces of pious people. This internal Noor is found in Mosques where Allah (SWT) is remembered day and night by men whom worldly occupations

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do not stop from His remembrance because of their fear of the consequence of evil and hope for their forgiveness and reward from Allah (SWT) Vs 3940 The infidels feel that what they are doing is right. This is a deception like the optical illusion in the desert when the shining sand appears like water to a thirsty man. Likewise his deeds will be of no value and he will be punished for his sins. Infidelity is like intense darkness in the deep sea on a cloudy day when one cannot see even his own hand. These are the people for whom Allah (SWT) has not assigned light i.e. He has not guided them. Vs 4142 Allah (SWT) is the Supreme Authority in the Universe therefore everything glorifies Him by submitting to Him and obeying His orders. Vs 43-45 Allah (SWT) produces and causes the rain, snow, hail, lightning etc. to fall on whom He wills, He alternates the night and the day, He created all living beings from water. See Explanatory Notes. No.2 Ch: 5 Vs :26, No.2 Ch: 24 Vs: 43. Vs 46 Allah (SWT) has sent down the Quran and He guides towards it, whom He wills. Vs 4752 There are some people who orally accept Islam but actually turn away from it and the judgment based on it, they infact are the unjust. Contrary to this, Muslims accept the Quran as a source of judgment, therefore they are the persons who achieve success. Vs 5354 That which is required from the followers, is obedience and the duty of the messenger is just to convey the message of Allah (SWT). Vs 5557 If we want to rule the earth then we should believe and act in accordance with the Quran and Hadees. Infidels, whose destination is hell, cannot be victors over real believers 3:139 Vs 5860 Instructions regarding manners at home

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are given. Vs 61 We can have our meals at home, alone or all together, at the houses of relatives or friends etc. We should say, Salaam alaykum meaning Peace be on you, when we enter houses. Vs 6263 At the time of a meeting for discussing some serious affairs of the community Muslims were ordered not to steal away or leave without the permission of

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Prophet Muhammed (PBH) because his invitation or call is not like that of any other person, his position is the top most in the community, next only to Allah (SWT), those who disobey him are liable to be punished. Vs 64 Everything in the Universe belongs to Allah (SWT), He knows everything including the conditions of human beings, whether they are on Islam or not and this He will inform them on the day of Judgment.

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