Power Light

Nur, Light is Power

In the Qur’an-i-Karim it is written that,

Allah is the Nur [Light; Energy] of the universes and the earth. (Al Nur:35)

Some people who interpret the Qur’an say that this ayat [verse] is talking about electricity and that Allah is describing the bulb and the filament of the electric bulb, and how it glows. But as Sufis we say that Allah is referring to a greater light. This is the light that is found in the houses where Allah gave permission to do His zikr [repeated remembrance with contemplation].

(This Nur is found) in houses to which Allah has given permission for exaltation, and for doing the zikr of His name through tasbih [repeated glorification] of Him, morning and evening, by those who are not distracted, by either trade or selling, from the zikr of Allah, and the establishment of salat [connection to Allah], and giving zakat [poor-due]. (Al Nur: 36-37)

Zikr is our “Power Light”

When we do zikr, it is important for us to understand that we are not the ones actually doing it. It is Allah Who lets us do it. Zikr is a great favor given to us from Allah so that we can learn. As Sufis we must be mindful that it is always Allah Who does everything. Yet Allah is the one essential element in every action that most people overlook. When we overlook the presence of Allah in every action, we begin to think that all the power belongs to us.

Do they think no one has power over them? (Al Balad:5)

Even in the organization and operation of businesses and governments, we need to recognize the “Allah Factor.” When we understand that Allah overrides all other powers, we can act accordingly.

Qur’an References

Whoever desires power must know that all power belongs to Allah. (Fatir:10)

Allah — there is no ilah [higher power] other than Him. So to Allah let the mu’minun [believers] refer their affairs. (Al Taghabun:13)

Do not let what they say grieve you (O Muhammad). Power and honor belong totally to Allah. He is Al Sami [The Hearer and Listener], Al Alim [The All-Knowing One]. (Yunus:65)

Qur’an references

This is an edited excerpt of the newsletter, Call of the Divine, Vol.8 No.3 (April 2002). Both the article and the translation of the Qur’an verses are from Murshid Shaykh Taner Vargonen Ansari. Published here on November 29, 2023.

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ALL POWER BELONGS TO ALLAH

Part 1 of 4: ZIKR OF ALLAH

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