About Surah An-Nur
The Arabic name of the surah is النور. An-Nur means “The Light”. The surah takes its name from verse 35, the verse presented on this page, which is widely known as Ayat an-Nur, the Verse of Light. It is the 24th chapter of the Quran and has 64 verses. It is a Madani surah, revealed after the Prophet’s migration to Madinah. In the revelation-order list used by quran.com, it is number 102 of 114. It is found in Juz 18. In the order of the Mushaf it comes after Surah Al-Mu’minun and before Surah Al-Furqan.
Main Themes of Surah An-Nur
Surah An-Nur was revealed at a time of trial for the Muslim community in Madinah, and much of it guards personal honour, family life and public decency.
- Verse 35 describes Allah as the Light of the heavens and the earth, through the parable of a lamp in a niche, glowing inside glass and lit from the oil of a blessed olive tree.
- Revealed after the campaign against Banu al-Mustaliq, the surah strengthens the moral life of the community and repairs the harm caused by the false accusation against Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her).
- Firm caution against making or spreading accusations about anyone’s honour without proof, and the principle that relations should rest on good faith rather than suspicion.
- Manners of home and society: asking permission before entering other people’s houses, respecting privacy at set times, and modesty in gaze, dress and conduct for men and women.
Learn Surah An-Nur with Tajweed
If you would like to recite Surah An-Nur, including Ayat an-Nur (verse 35), fluently or add it to your memorization, our qualified teachers can guide you in one-to-one online lessons. Explore our Tajweed course or our Quran memorization classes, and contact us for a free trial. Lessons are scheduled at flexible times, so children and adults can fit regular recitation practice into their week.
