Surah An-Nur (The Light)

An-Nur means "The Light," drawn from the surah's celebrated passage comparing God's light to a radiant lamp.

An-Nur is the 24th surah of the Quran, a Medinan surah of 64 ayahs. It is largely concerned with social conduct, personal morality, and the protection of reputation and privacy within the community. The surah addresses standards of modesty, guidelines for seeking permission before entering homes, and the etiquette of social interaction between members of the community. It strongly condemns slander and false accusations, particularly against chaste individuals, and stresses the harm of spreading rumors. At its heart lies the renowned "Light Verse," which uses the image of a lamp within a niche to convey the presence and guidance of God, followed by imagery of light and darkness. The surah weaves together legal, ethical, and devotional themes, presenting the ordering of family and communal life as an expression of faith and God-consciousness.

Surah number: 24
Revelation: Medinan
Ayahs: 64
Arabic: النور

Read Surah An-Nur online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Modesty and social etiquette
Guarding reputation against slander
Privacy and seeking permission in homes
The parable of God's light
Signs of God in the natural world
Family and communal harmony

Why this surah matters

An-Nur is widely known for the "Light Verse," one of the most beloved and frequently contemplated passages in the Quran, treasured in devotional and mystical traditions for its imagery of divine guidance. The surah is regarded as a foundational chapter on communal ethics, modesty, and the protection of honor. Many Muslims study it for its guidance on family life and social conduct. While it touches on matters that the schools of law address in detail, its enduring appeal lies in its vision of a community illuminated by faith and mutual respect.

Frequently asked questions

What is the "Light Verse" in Surah An-Nur?

It is a celebrated passage that compares God's light to a lamp set within a niche, widely contemplated as an image of divine guidance. The surah is named after this theme of light.

What subjects does An-Nur mainly address?

It focuses on modesty, social etiquette, privacy in homes, guarding reputations against slander, and the ordering of family and community life.

Is Surah An-Nur Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Medinan surah, consistent with its emphasis on community organization, social ethics, and communal conduct.

Read Surah An-Nur

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