Background Information of Surah An-Nur
Context and Revelation: Surah An-Nur, consisting of 64 verses, was revealed in Medina six years after the Hijra. It addresses issues related to moral conduct, specifically regarding sexual morality, privacy, and accusations, set against an incident involving false allegations against ‘A’isha, the Prophet’s wife.
Key Themes and Messages
Protection of Morality
Sexual Misconduct and Punishments: Stresses the importance of chastity, prescribing punishments for those guilty of adultery and for those who falsely accuse chaste women without sufficient evidence.
Avoiding Scandal: Encourages avoiding immoral behavior and the spread of scandals, which disrupt societal ideals.
Respect for Privacy
Home Entry Etiquette: Outlines rules for entering homes—seek permission, greet inhabitants, and retreat if asked to leave, respecting others’ privacy.
Following Divine Guidance, Not Satan: Warns against following Satan’s temptations which lead to immorality and invasion of privacy.
Modesty and Conduct
Dress and Behavior: Calls for both men and women to dress modestly and behave with dignity.
Guarding Gaze and Purity: Urges both genders to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, protecting their reputation and integrity.
Divine Illumination
Allah as the Light: Describes Allah as the light of the heavens and the earth, whose light encompasses and illuminates everything, guiding believers.
Enlightenment of Souls: Highlights that the souls enlightened by Allah’s light remain devoted to Him, unaffected by worldly distractions, consistently praying, giving alms, and fearing the Day of Judgment.
Role of Believers and Governance
Proper Conduct with Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of showing respect and proper etiquette towards the Prophet and other leaders, including seeking permission before departing their presence.
Obedience and Honor: Underlines the need for obedience to command and respect for authority.
The Folly of Disbelief
Consequences for the Wicked: Discusses how those devoid of Allah’s light are enveloped in darkness, rendering their actions ineffectual and their hearts closed to the divine truth.
Hypocrisy and Rebellion: Critiques hypocrites as being rebellious in Allah’s dominion, emphasizing their detrimental role within the community.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-10
Allah explains the worldly punishment for those who commit adultery and for those who falsely accuse chaste women.
Ruku 2: Verses 11-20
Allah talks about the lie/false accusation that the wife of the Prophet (pbuh), Aisha (ra), had to endure.
Allah teaches us how to deal with bad rumors.
Ruku 3: Verses 21-26
Allah forbids the believers to follow Satan’s ways. He commands forgiveness and pardon.
Allah reveals the fate of those who accuse honorable women of unchastity and explains which men and women are suitable for each other.
Ruku 4: Verses 27-34
Allah teaches household and etiquette rules.
Allah commands men and women to exercise self-restraint in their gazes and to lower their eyes.
Allah speaks about how women must cover themselves.
Allah addresses slave owners and gives them commands regarding the topics of marriage, manumission, and the prostitution of slaves.
Ruku 5: Verses 35-40
Parable of Light. Allah explains His light.
Allah talks about His houses and genuine believing men.
Parables of the disbelievers.
Ruku 6: Verses 41-50
The submission of all creatures to Allah.
The example of rain.
Scientific fact that everything created is from water.
Hypocrites are discussed, who only accept the judgment of the Prophet (pbuh) in a favorable case.
Ruku 7: Verses 51-57
Allah talks about the demeanor of true believers in difficult situations and the lies of hypocrites.
Ruku 8: Verses 58-61
Allah speaks about rules of behavior in the family circle, especially about entering houses/rooms of children and adults at certain times of the day.
Ruku 9: Verses 62-64
Allah addresses the etiquettes of leaving the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during important meetings.
