Names of Allah
An-Nur
An-Nūr
The Light — the source of all light, guiding hearts and illuminating the heavens and earth.
What does An-Nur mean?
An-Nur is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Light". It describes Allah as the Light of the heavens and the earth — the source of all illumination, both physical and spiritual. By His light the cosmos is sustained and made visible, and by His light hearts are guided from the darkness of disbelief and confusion into the light of faith and certainty.
The Meaning in Depth
An-Nur illuminates in two ways: outwardly, He is the originator of all light in creation; inwardly, He is the guide who places light (nur) in the heart of the believer, by which truth is recognised and the path is made clear. The famous "Verse of Light" (24:35) describes His guidance as light upon light. To be deprived of His light is to be left in darkness; "whoever Allah has not granted light — for him there is no light" (24:40).
An-Nur in the Quran
- "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth..." (24:35)
- "...Allah guides to His light whom He wills." (24:35)
- "...He brings them out from darknesses into the light." (2:257)
Living by This Name
An-Nur turns the believer's focus to seeking light from God: the light of guidance, of knowledge, of a sound heart, and of faith. The Prophet ﷺ would supplicate: "O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my hearing, light in my sight..." (Bukhari 6316). The believer seeks to live by this light — illuminated by revelation, walking a clear path, and reflecting that light to others through goodness and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does calling Allah "Light" mean He is physical light?
No. Allah is not a created, physical light like the sun. He is An-Nur in a manner befitting His majesty: the source and giver of all light, and the One who illuminates hearts with guidance. He is unlike anything in creation.
What is the "light" placed in the believer's heart?
It is the light of faith, guidance, and insight by which one recognises truth, finds peace, and walks the straight path. It is a gift from An-Nur, sought through sincerity, knowledge, and worship.
Etymology & origin
An-Nur (النور) means "the Light", from the root N-W-R (ن-و-ر), connected to illumination, radiance, and guidance. From it come nur (light), manarah (lighthouse/minaret), and tanwir (enlightenment). An-Nur is the Light of the heavens and the earth — the One who illuminates existence with His being and guides hearts out of darkness into light.
References
- Quran:
- 2:257, 24:35, 24:40, 39:69, 57:28, 64:8
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 6316 (the dua: O Allah, place light in my heart...); Muslim 179 (His veil is light); Muslim 763 (the Prophet's night prayer: You are the Light of the heavens and the earth); Bukhari 7385 (light on the Day of Judgement)
Related terms
Al-Aleem
The All-Knowing — whose knowledge encompasses all things past, present, future, hidden and apparent.
Al-Basir
The All-Seeing — who sees everything that exists, no matter how small or hidden.
Al-Fattah
The Opener, the Judge — who opens doors of mercy, knowledge and victory, and judges between His servants.
Al-Hadi
The Guide — who guides His servants to truth, faith and righteous conduct.
Iman
Faith — belief in the heart, affirmation by the tongue, and action by the limbs; it comprises six pillars and increases with obedience.