The Glorious Qur`an

24: the Light (noor)

This chapter forms one of the great treasures of the Qur'an. chiefly because of the lyrical hymn to Light found in section v. It contains 64 Meccan and Madinese verses arranged in nine sections. The chapter dates from before pilgrimage 22, while v.64 was revealed after Banishment 29. NOTE the elevated style and the

frequent use of the adverb abadan or 'never' throughout this chapter.

The beginning contains advice or light" on sex, etiquette and personal  modesty, and states that marriage is desirable (IV); it also warns against committing slander and per3ury. The middle portion consists of the great hymn to "Light" which gives the chapter its title, and from which much illumination and mysticism arise in Islam. Proof of God follows (VI). The end concerns etiquette and protocol in connection with public business, as Islamic society began to need rules to live by and for its own government. Old maids and eating in public are other topics which are discussed in VIII.