Read Surah 24: An-Nur (The Light) in clear English translation with detailed commentary. Discover its lessons on faith, morality, purity, and divine guidance.
Surah 24: An-Nur (The Light)
Introduction
Surah An-Nur is the 24th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Madinah and contains 64 verses. This surah is especially important because it gives clear guidance on matters of morality, family life, modesty, social laws, and the importance of truth in a Muslim society.
One of the main reasons for its revelation was to address a serious incident of false accusation (known as the Slander of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her), and to establish rules about accusing others of immorality. The surah strongly warns against spreading rumors and teaches the importance of protecting people’s honor.
Surah An-Nur also outlines rules for both men and women about lowering the gaze, wearing modest clothing, and seeking permission before entering homes. It teaches Muslims how to live clean, respectful, and peaceful lives within society.
The surah is named An-Nur (‘The Light’) because of the famous verse (Verse 35), which describes Allah as the Light of the heavens and the earth. This verse is deeply spiritual and symbolic, showing how Allah guides the hearts of believers just like light guides people in the darkness.
Overall, Surah An-Nur is both a social and spiritual guide. It encourages purity, justice, and discipline in public and private life, while reminding believers that Allah sees all things and will judge all people fairly.
Surah 24: An-Nur (The Light): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. This is a chapter that We have sent down and made it obligatory. In it, We have sent down clear signs, so that you may take heed.
2. The woman and man found guilty of adultery—lash each one of them a hundred times. Do not let compassion for them prevent you from carrying out Allah’s law, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment.
3. The adulterer shall not marry anyone except an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress shall not marry anyone except an adulterer or an idolater. That has been forbidden to the believers.
4. Those who accuse chaste women but cannot bring four witnesses—lash them eighty times and never accept their testimony again. They are truly the wrongdoers.
5. Except for those who repent afterward and correct themselves—surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
6. And those who accuse their own wives but have no witnesses except themselves—then the testimony of one of them shall be four oaths by Allah that he is telling the truth,
7. And the fifth time he swears that Allah’s curse be upon him if he is lying.
8. But the punishment can be prevented if the woman swears four times by Allah that he is lying,
9. And the fifth time she swears that Allah’s anger be upon her if he is telling the truth.
10. Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, and that He is Ever Accepting of repentance and Wise, things would be difficult.
11. Surely those who spread the lie are a group among you. Do not think it is bad for you. No, it is good for you. Every person among them will bear the sin they deserve. But the one who took the biggest part in it will have a terrible punishment.
12. Why didn’t the believing men and believing women, when they heard it, think well of each other and say, ‘This is clearly a lie’?
13. Why didn’t they bring four witnesses for it? Since they did not bring witnesses, they are liars in the sight of Allah.
14. If it had not been for the grace and mercy of Allah upon you in this world and the Hereafter, a severe punishment would have touched you for what you got involved in.
15. When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, thinking it was something small, while in the sight of Allah it was enormous.
16. Why didn’t you say, when you heard it, ‘It is not right for us to talk like this. Glory be to You, O Allah! This is a terrible slander’?
17. Allah warns you never to do something like this again, if you are truly believers.
18. Allah makes His signs clear to you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
19. Surely those who love to spread shame among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the next. Allah knows, and you do not know.
20. If it were not for the grace and mercy of Allah upon you, and that He is Kind and Merciful, things would be much worse.
21. O believers! Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Whoever follows Satan’s footsteps should know that he surely commands shameful and evil deeds. If it were not for the grace and mercy of Allah upon you, none of you would have ever become pure. But Allah purifies whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
22. Let not those among you who are blessed with grace and wealth swear not to give to their relatives, the poor, and those who migrated for the sake of Allah. Instead, let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
23. Surely those who falsely accuse chaste, unaware, believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter. For them is a severe punishment.
24. On the Day when their tongues, hands, and feet will testify against them for what they used to do,
25. On that Day, Allah will give them what they truly deserve in full. And they will come to know that Allah alone is the Absolute Truth, the One who makes everything clear.
26. Wicked women are for wicked men, and wicked men are for wicked women. Good women are for good men, and good men are for good women. These (good ones) are innocent of what the slanderers say. For them is forgiveness and an honorable reward.
27. O believers! Do not enter homes other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted the people inside. That is better for you, so that you may remember.
28. And if you do not find anyone in the house, do not enter it until you are given permission. And if you are told, ‘Go back,’ then go back. That is purer for you. And Allah knows well what you do.
29. There is no blame on you if you enter public places where no one’s home, and you have something to take care of. And Allah knows what you reveal and what you hide.
30. Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.
31. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. They should not show their beauty except what normally appears. They should draw their veils over their chests. And they should not show their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands’ fathers, or their sons, or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or those who are their right hands possess, or those male attendants who have no desire, or children who are not yet aware of women’s private parts. And they should not walk in a way that makes their hidden beauty known. O believers! Turn to Allah all together so that you may succeed.
32. Marry off those among you who are single, and also those who are righteous among your male and female servants. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His grace. Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.
33. And let those who do not have the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them from His grace. And if any of your male or female servants ask for a contract of freedom (mukatabah), give it to them if you see good in them. And give them some of Allah’s wealth which He has given you. Do not force your slave girls into prostitution just to gain some worldly benefit, especially if they wish to remain chaste. And if anyone forces them, then after that, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful to them.
34. We have surely sent down to you clear verses, and examples from those who came before you, and advice for those who are mindful of Allah.
35. Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass, the glass is like a shining star. It is lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor the west. Its oil almost glows even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whom He wills. Allah sets forth examples for people. And Allah knows everything.
36. (This light shines) in houses which Allah has allowed to be raised and where His name is remembered. In them, He is glorified morning and evening.
37. (By) people who are not distracted by trade or commerce from remembering Allah, performing prayer, and giving charity. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be turned inside out.
28. So that Allah may reward them according to the best of what they did, and give them even more out of His grace. And Allah provides for whoever He wills, without limit.
39. But as for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it is water, but when he comes near it, he finds it is nothing. And he finds Allah there, who will settle the full account. And Allah is swift in taking account.
40. Or their deeds are like darkness in a deep sea, covered by waves upon waves, topped by clouds—layers of darkness, one over the other. If a person puts out his hand, he can hardly see it. And whoever Allah does not give light to—he will have no light at all.
41. Do you not see that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah—even the birds, spreading their wings in flight? Each knows its prayer and its way of praising. And Allah is fully aware of everything they do.
42. To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And to Him alone is the final return.
43. Do you not see that Allah drives the clouds, then joins them together, then piles them up, and you see the rain coming out from them? And He sends down hail from the sky—out of clouds like mountains. He strikes with it whomever He wills and turns it away from whomever He wills. The brightness of its lightning almost blinds the eyes.
44. Allah alternates the night and the day. Surely in that is a lesson for those who have insight.
45. And Allah created every living creature from water. Some of them crawl on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some on four. Allah creates whatever He wills. Surely Allah is capable of everything.
46. We have certainly sent down clear signs. And Allah guides whom He wills to the Straight Path.
47. But they say, ‘We believe in Allah and the Messenger, and we obey.’ Then a group of them turns away after that. These are not true believers.
48. And when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, you see some of them turn away in refusal.
49. But if the truth is in their favor, they come to him quickly and obediently.
50. Is there a sickness in their hearts? Or do they doubt? Or are they afraid that Allah and His Messenger will treat them unfairly? No! In fact, they are the ones who are truly wrong.
51. The only true response of the believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, is to say, ‘We hear and we obey.’ These are the ones who will succeed.
52. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, fears Him, and is mindful of Him—it is they who will be the winners.
53. They swear by Allah with their strongest oaths that if you command them, they will surely go out (to fight). Say, ‘Do not swear. Your obedience should be known by your actions. Surely Allah is fully aware of what you do.’
54. Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away, then he is only responsible for what he has been charged with, and you are responsible for what you have been charged with. If you obey him, you will be rightly guided. The Messenger’s only duty is to deliver the message clearly.’
55. Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good deeds that He will surely make them successors in the land, as He did with those before them. He will strengthen for them their religion which He has approved for them, and He will replace their fear with safety. They will worship Me alone, without associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after this—those are the rebellious.
56. Establish prayer, give charity, and obey the Messenger so that you may receive mercy.
57. Do not think that the disbelievers can escape on earth. Their final home is the Fire—how terrible that destination is!
58. O believers! Let your servants and those of you who have not reached puberty ask permission (before entering your rooms) at three times: before the dawn prayer, during your afternoon rest, and after the night prayer. These are three times of privacy for you. At other times, there is no blame on you or them, as you move around each other freely. In this way, Allah makes His commands clear to you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
59. When children among you reach the age of puberty, let them ask permission as those before them did. In this way, Allah makes His signs clear to you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
60. And elderly women who have no desire for marriage are not blamed if they take off their outer garments, provided they do not display their beauty. But if they choose to remain modest, it is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
61. There is no blame on the blind, or the lame, or the sick—or on yourselves—for eating from your own houses, or your fathers’ houses, or your mothers’ houses, or your brothers’ houses, or your sisters’ houses, or your uncles’ houses, or your aunts’ houses, or from the houses whose keys you hold, or from your friends’ houses. There is no blame on you whether you eat together or separately. But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting of peace from Allah—blessed and good. In this way Allah makes His signs clear to you, so that you may understand.
62. The true believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, and when they are with him for a matter of common interest, they do not leave until they have asked his permission. Surely those who ask your permission are the ones who truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. So if they ask your permission for something, grant it to those among them whom you wish, and ask Allah to forgive them. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
63. Do not treat the call of the Messenger among yourselves as you would treat each other’s calls. Allah knows those of you who slip away quietly. So let those who disobey his command beware, or a trial may strike them, or a painful punishment may befall them.
64. Surely to Allah belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. He knows what state you are in. And on the Day they are returned to Him, He will inform them of what they did. And Allah knows all things perfectly. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah An-Nur stands out as a powerful reminder of the importance of purity, truth, and social responsibility in an Islamic society. It is not only a set of legal instructions but also a deep spiritual lesson that shapes how Muslims are meant to live—with dignity, caution, and faith.
One of the most striking features of this surah is its balance between strict laws and divine mercy. For example, while the surah strongly condemns false accusations and shameless behavior, it also opens the door for forgiveness and repentance. It shows that justice and compassion go hand in hand in the Islamic way of life.
The surah also addresses both men and women equally, especially when discussing modesty and respect. It encourages believers to guard their eyes and behave with honor—not just outwardly, but also within their hearts. This shows that Islam values inner purity as much as outer action.
Another powerful part is Verse 35, which describes Allah as the Light of the heavens and the earth. This verse lifts the surah to a higher level, reminding us that all true guidance comes from Allah, and that His light can reach even the darkest corners of the human soul—if the person is open to it.
Surah An-Nur teaches that a clean and respectful society begins with individuals who fear Allah, speak truthfully, protect others’ dignity, and seek light instead of darkness. It invites us to build a community based on trust, not gossip; modesty, not desire; truth, not slander.
In today’s world, where false accusations, indecency, and careless speech are common, the message of Surah An-Nur remains more relevant than ever. 0 0 0
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Surah 24: An-Nur: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah An-Nur
Q. What is Surah 24: An-Nur about?
Ans: Surah 24: An-Nur, meaning The Light, focuses on moral values, family life, social conduct, laws of modesty, and the guidance of divine light for believers.
Q. Why is Surah 24 called An-Nur (The Light)?
Ans: Surah 24 is called An-Nur because it contains the famous “Verse of Light” which symbolizes Allah’s guidance as light that illuminates the path of truth.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah 24: An-Nur?
Ans: The main themes of Surah 24: An-Nur include chastity, modesty, justice, family regulations, and the spiritual symbolism of divine light.
Q. How many verses are in Surah 24: An-Nur?
Ans: Surah 24: An-Nur has 64 verses, revealed in Medina, addressing both legal rulings and spiritual guidance.
Q. What is the importance of the “Verse of Light” in Surah 24: An-Nur?
Ans: The “Verse of Light” in Surah 24: An-Nur is important as it beautifully describes Allah as the source of all light, knowledge, and guidance for believers.
Q. Can Surah 24: An-Nur be recited for protection and guidance?
Ans: Yes, many Muslims recite Surah 24: An-Nur for spiritual light, purity, and protection from immorality, as it emphasizes divine guidance in daily life.
Q. When was Surah 24: An-Nur revealed?
Ans: Surah An-Nur was revealed in Medina after the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), addressing the social and moral needs of the Muslim community. 0 0 0
Surah 24: An-Nur (The Light): Data
- Basic Information
- Surah Name: An-Nur (النور)
- Meaning of the Name: The Light
- Surah Number: 24
- Number of Verses (Ayahs): 64
- Revealed in: Medina (Madinan Surah)
- Position in the Qur’an: Juz 18 (part of it)
Main Themes of Surah An-Nur
- Establishing laws for morality, modesty, and family life.
- Punishments for adultery and slander to protect honor and dignity.
- Encouragement of modesty for both men and women.
- Guidelines on entering homes and observing proper social conduct.
- The famous “Verse of Light” (Ayah 35), which describes Allah as the Light of the heavens and the earth.
- Differentiating between the paths of belief and disbelief.
- Emphasis on obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and unity of the Muslim community.
Unique Features
- Contains the “Ayat an-Nur” (The Verse of Light), one of the most poetic and spiritual passages of the Qur’an, symbolizing divine guidance.
- Provides one of the most detailed codes of social conduct in the Qur’an.
- Strong focus on community purity, justice, and moral discipline.
Key Messages
- Faith should reflect in both private and public life.
- Purity of heart leads to purity of action.
- Justice protects individuals and society from corruption.
- Allah’s light is the ultimate source of guidance and truth.
Surah 24: An-Nur (The Light): Table Data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Surah Name | An-Nur (النور) |
| Meaning of the Name | The Light |
| Surah Number | 24 |
| Number of Verses (Ayahs) | 64 |
| Place of Revelation | Medina (Madinan Surah) |
| Position in the Qur’an | Part of Juz 18 |
| Main Themes | Morality, modesty, family life, justice, social conduct, faith, divine light |
| Important Passages | Verse of Light (Ayah 35), laws on chastity, punishment for slander |
| Unique Features | Contains the most symbolic parable of divine light, emphasizes community purity and moral discipline |
| Key Messages | Faith must reflect in action, modesty protects society, justice preserves dignity, Allah is the source of all light and guidance |
Dear, do you want me to also prepare a visual infographic-style version of this table so that it can be directly used as a graphic element for your website?
The Radiance of Surah An-Nur
From the heavens descends a light,
Breaking the chains of endless night.
Surah An-Nur, a shining flame,
Guides the soul in Allah’s name.
It speaks of faith, both strong and clear,
A trust in God, sincere and near.
Hearts that believe, their souls refined,
Find peace and truth in the Divine.
It warns of sin and guards the way,
So lust and falsehood cannot stay.
The tongue must speak with justice true,
For every word returns to you.
In family life it builds the wall,
Of trust and honor, strong and tall.
A home of purity, bound with prayer,
Where mercy and love are always there.
It calls the faithful to guard their eyes,
From fleeting charms and worldly lies.
For modesty is a jewel to wear,
A cloak of dignity, pure and fair.
The laws of justice, firm and wise,
Stand tall beneath the open skies.
False accusations meet their end,
Truth is the shield the righteous defend.
And there within this surah bright,
Glows the eternal Verse of Light.
Allah, the Source of all that glows,
From Him the lamp of wisdom flows.
Like glass that sparkles, pure and fine,
His light is endless, vast, divine.
It fills the soul, it lifts the heart,
From His great mercy, we never part.
So let this surah guide your way,
In night’s deep dark or brightest day.
An-Nur, The Light, forever will be,
A path to truth, to eternity. 0 0 0
