Was the Prophet Created From Light?
Question: Asslamu ‘alaykum. In the subcontinent, some people say that Allah is nur (light) because it is mentioned in the Qur’an. Furthermore, they say that Allah created our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) from His light as His first creation. How could it be interpreted?
Answer:Wa ‘alaykum assaalm wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
The Light Of Allah
Firstly, let us be clear on one thing: the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is created and in no way “part” of Allah Most High. There are also a number of interpretations of the divine name “Al-Nur.” Such as Allah is the possessor of metaphysical light; the ‘light’ being an expression of His necessary existence, and Allah is the illuminator – a metaphorical expression of Creator – of the heavens and Earth. [Biqa’i, Nazm al-Durar, Alusi, Ruh al-Ma’ani, Sanusi, Sharh al-Muqaddimat]
It seems that there are metaphysical connotations of this name that many of the righteous of this Umma have referred to in the books of Tasawwuf. These are higher, experiential matters, the discussion of which is fruitless for those who have not had those experiences.
The Light Of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)
There is no doubt about the Prophet being human (bashar) as the Qur’an clearly states it. [Qur’an, 18:110] As for him being light, this can be understood on many levels too. He was certainly a light of guidance, and the light did emanate from him, as a number of narrations state.
I recommend that you read this excellent article by Shaykh Nuh Keller on the matter. It provides much clarity on the matter.
To be honest, this is not a matter that is worth discussing with people at length. Read the discussion above and move on to something which is more productive in your din.
May Allah illuminate our hearts with His love.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
