An-Nûr (Surah 24)
An-Nûr (The Light)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Medinian sûrah takes its name from the divine light mentioned in verses 35-36. A large portion of this sûrah deals with the issue of sexual misconduct hinted at in the previous sûrah (23:7). The sûrah also offers some guidelines to the believers on how they should have reacted to false rumours against ’Ȃishah, the Prophet’s wife. Other issues are discussed, including modesty, entering people’s homes, forced prostitution, hypocrisy, and false accusations of adultery. Allah’s power, compliance with His judgment, and obedience to the Prophet (ﷺ) are highly emphasized.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Introduction
1. (This is) a sûrah which We have revealed and made (its rulings) obligatory, and revealed in it clear commandments so that you may be mindful.
Surah 24 - An-Nûr (The Light) - Verses 1-1
Punishment for Fornication
2. As for female and male fornicators, give each of them one hundred lashes, and do not let pity for them make you lenient in (enforcing) the law of Allah, if you (truly) believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a number of believers witness their punishment.
Surah 24 - An-Nûr (The Light) - Verses 2-2
Like for Like
3. A male fornicator would only marry a female fornicator or idolatress. And a female fornicator would only be married to a fornicator or idolater. This is (all) forbidden to the believers.
Surah 24 - An-Nûr (The Light) - Verses 3-3
Unsupported Accusations
4. Those who accuse chaste women (of adultery) and fail to produce four witnesses, give them eighty lashes (each). And do not ever accept any testimony from them—for they are indeed the rebellious— 5. except those who repent afterwards and mend their ways, then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.