A008
Surah: 061 - Ayah: 008
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61:8
It is said in the Qur'an that the Prophet is light (61:8), also it is said that he is a luminous lamp (33:46). These verses reveal that the Prophet's light was certainly not a material and worldly light, but the light of intellect, spirit, religion and faith; it was the light of knowledge and wisdom and rectitude and guidance and it was the light of the Qur'an. Since the Prophet was the light and the luminous lamp, that is to say that he was a light directly or indirectly related to the world of spirituality, which can enlighten the hearts of the believers, and the world of humanity at anytime by virtue of its being related to intellect, spirit and the inner aspect, therefore, it had to rise in the hearts' heart only. It had to illuminate the intellect and the spirit and remove the darknesses of ignorance. The Holy Prophet, according to the command of God, gradually transferred this perfect light of the Qur'an from himself to his legatee (was!) and successor, which is alluded to in the Qur'an in the verse (57:28).
Zahir (Apparent, manifest)
The holy light of God is always manifest in this world. Had he not been manifest, living and present, and was absent and invisible, then the unbelievers would not have attempted to extinguish it (61:8), because it is impossible to intend to extinguish something which is hidden and invisible.
Q452 It is mentioned in verse (61:8): “They intend to extinguish the light of God with [the blows of] their mouths, but God will perfect His light, however much the disbelievers may be averse.” See also verse (9:32). The fundamental question here is: When did the light of God appear in the world of creation? First of all, who was the enemy of His light and why? What is meant by [the blows of] their mouths? How does God perfect His light?
A452
- The light of God appeared in the world of creation in the time of Adam(c) and in his person.
- Iblis was the first to show enmity to the light of God and Cain (Qabil) followed him.
- Arrogance and rejection were the root of this enmity.
- Blows of their mouths mean the false arguments and abortive attempts.
- God continues to perfect His light every time in the chain of the Prophets and Imams. Reflect also upon “light upon light” (24:35).
This verse has been referred 12 times.