A175
Surah: 004 - Ayah: 175
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4:175
Nur-i Mubin (The Manifest and Speaking Light)
In the verse (4:175) the word "nur-i mubin" is mentioned, which has two meanings: manifest light and speaking light. And in this verse, both these meanings are appropraite. As for the meaning of "mubin" as speaking, it is used in the verse (43:18). Thus the light of the holy Imam is both manifest and speaking not only in a physical form, but also miraculously manifests himself and speaks in the spiritual state.
Thus, in the above noble verse, God says: "O mankind! Verily there has come to you a proof and We have sent down unto you a manifest light" (4:175). Here, the office of Prophethood is called proof and that of Imamat, is called manifest light. If someone argues that by the proof is meant the Glorious Qur'an and by the light, the Prophet, even then one comes to the same conclusion. For, since the light of God is inextinguishable, therefore, it is transferred from the Prophet to the chain of Imamat and thus, even today, it is manifest in the human attire of the living and present Imam and will remain manifest forever.
The second proof in this connection is: “O mankind! Indeed a proof (i.e. miracle of the Quraan) has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent a manifest light to you (4:175). In this verse, God acknowledges the glorious Quraan as the permanent miracle of Hazrat Muhammad’s (s.a.s) Prophethood and the office of Imamat as the manifest light. This alludes that the Quraan can be understood as the miracle of Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.s.)only if its tawil wonders and miracles are seen in the light of the recognition of the rank of Imamat. It is important to note that in the above-mentioned two verses (5:15; 4:175), in the first Light is mentioned before the Book, and in the second the Book before the Light. This alludes that Prophethood was designated before the revelation of the Book and Imamat (walayat) is proclaimed after its revelation. That is, the light of Prophethood manifested before the revelation of the Quraan and the light of Imamat (walayat) after its revelation, although they are two names of the one and the same reality.
This verse has been referred 2 times.