Sūrah No. 24, Revealed in Madīnah, 64 verses.
The Sūrah talks extensively of rules regarding chastity and modesty.
Sūrat al-Nūr
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
Whoever recites Sūrat al-Nūr is granted the reward ten times more than the number of all male and female believers in the past and in the future. Holy Prophet a
Note: The reward will be granted to one who reflects and implements the teachings of the Sūrah.
General synopsis of contents
1) Punishment for those who commit adultery. (verse 1-10)
2) Scandal against the wife of the Prophet 1. (vv. 11-20)
3) Slandering chaste women. (verse 21-26)
4) Moral behaviour. (verse 27-34)
5) Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth. (vv. 35-40)
6) Glorification of Allah Y. (vv. 41-50)
7) Obedience to Allah and His Messenger. (vv. 51-57, 62-64)
8) Respect for domestic and personal privacy. (vv. 58-61)
Important Messages
1) Those who break the rules of chastity in society must bear the consequences. (verse
2) Do not believe in false talks that are spread about people. (verse 12)
3) Talking about something that you do not know much about and is potentially false is a serious matter with Allah. (verse 15)
4) Spreading indecency among believers is a punishable sin. (v. 19)
5) Both men and women need to abide by rules of modesty. (vv. 30-31)
6) Poverty should not be a barrier to get married. (verse 32)
7) Everything in the Heavens and the Earth glorifies Allah. (verse 41)
8) Obedience to Allah and His Messenger is expected of a believer. (vv. 52-54)
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 24:16 And why did you not, when you heard it, say: It does not beseem us that we should talk of it; glory be to You! this is a great slander?
2) 24:22 Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? Allah is all-forgiving, all-merciful.
3) 24:35 Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.
4) 24:41 Have you not regarded that Allah is glorified by everyone in the heavens and the earth, and the birds spreading their wings. Each knows his prayer and glorification, and Allah knows best what they do.
5) 24:51 The response of the believers, when they are invited to Allah and His Messenger that he may judge between them, is only to say: We hear, and we obey; and these it is that are the successful.
6) 24:55 Allah has promised those of you who have faith and do righteous deeds that He will surely make them successors in the earth,
Activities for self-study
1) Read verse 21 and analyze the points in it. What is the tactic of Shaytān outlined in this verse? What helps to counter it?
2) How is the Day of Judgment described in verses 23-25?
3) Study verses 27-29. Outline the rules of visiting in these verses.
4) Read verse 35. How is the parable described? Write out the points from it. Illustrate the parable.
5) Verses 36-37 describe the homes in which Allah’s light resides. What are the qualities of the people in those homes? How will Allah reward them (verse 38)?
6) Write and illustrate the parables described in verses 39 and 40.
7) What signs of Allah U are described in verses 43-35?
8) Write out the promise given by Allah in verses 55. Remind yourself of this verse to prepare for this time, under the leadership of the Imam of our time, InshāAllah.
9) The Sūrah ends with another injunction on modesty. How many issues of modesty are discussed throughout this Sūrah?