Name: The name of this chapter is Al-Nūr and it has nine sections and sixty-four verses. In its fifth verse, it compares the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to a highly purified, eternal light of the greatest clarity that encompasses the entire world. This is why the chapter is titled Al-Nūr.
Summary: Because this chapter likens the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to a perfect light and informs that this light will prevail over the world, it predicts not only the kingdom of the Holy Prophet but that this kingdom will be everlasting, even after he passes away. When nations achieve greatness and power in the world, vice and immorality become the cause of their ruin, and so this chapter begins with the punishment for adultery, and for accusing pious women of immorality. In the first section, it is stated that people guilty of adultery should not be allowed to mix with the believers, so that the believers may remain protected from this vice. In the second section, The Incident of the Slander against Hazrat Ā’ishah is discussed and she is fully exonerated. The third section prohibits the spreading of evil gossip. The fourth section prescribes ways in which the nation can be protected from vice and immorality. The prescription includes entering houses only after receiving permission, both men and women lowering the gaze when encountering each other on streets and in businesses, modest attire by women to cover their beauty, and encouraging unmarried people to marry. If a nation adopts these commonsense measures, which are not difficult to follow, it will save itself from the curse of adultery.
The fifth section informs that the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the manifestation of the most perfect light of Allah and this light is perpetual and encompasses the whole world. This light has spread to the houses of the Companions, and those who deny this light keep themselves in the dark. In the sixth section, after mentioning some examples from nature, the eventual triumph of the truth is emphasized, which requires that the Holy Prophet be followed sincerely. The seventh section continues the topic of following the Holy Prophet and states that to sustain this light, kingdom will be granted, and it will not be confined just to the Holy Prophet but would continue after him. In discussing the topic of khilafah caliphate, both physical and spiritual dimensions are mentioned. In the eighth section, the topic of the importance of simple household practices are discussed further, stressing the role of healthy boundaries and how pursuing the right path in them is a big factor in developing a tranquil life. This section adds to the topic of the fourth section. The ninth section lays down a general principle that national matters should be given preference over personal matters and the cause to which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invites should not be considered an ordinary matter, because it is the root of success, and overlooking it will result in grief in this life.
Relationship with prior chapter: The relationship of this chapter with the previous chapter is clear. The previous chapter detailed the real practices for the success of the believers, while this chapter discusses factors that can ruin a successful nation. This chapter prescribes a cure for these maladies. In the process, it is also stated that the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) light will encompass the whole world, and kingdom will be granted after him to his followers.
Period of revelation: This chapter is unanimously accepted to be a Madinah revelation. The Incident of the Slander against Hazrat Ā’ishah mentioned in this chapter, took place in the fifth year after the Hijra. Hence, there is no doubt that a majority of this chapter was revealed in the fifth year after migration.
