Muslim in the Middle
This chapter is a hard chapter after a relatively soft one, Al-Mu’minoon. This means that it contains more instructions and little metaphors and stories. An-Nur begins with social laws governing society such as reneging on relationships, accusations, privacy (24/1-34).
24/35 is called ‘ayatun noor’ (verse of the light) and shows the light of Allah (which is Allah himself) that shines over human society. This light is brought forth by a society which is following natural laws. 24/36-37 talks about such societies, ran by independent folks who vivify Allah in their houses. This shows a conglomeration rather than sole authority like the houses in musa’s story in 10/84. 24/38 tells us that this is the best of deeds.
The chapter then moves on to natural metaphors to reflect this situation. The most interesting of these metaphors is ‘ayatut thayr’ , the verse of the birds which talks about human beings and their individual relationships to the flock. The bird also shows flight as the symbol of destiny.
From 24/46 onward, it moves on to the system of the messenger24/55 culminates in ‘aya istikhlaf’ which explains how those who bring the system of peace and justice will inherit the land and change it into a land of security after fear. This reflects on the story of musa again.
This chapter ends as it began, with social laws beginning from 24/58. This shows that once again, social laws are the backbone of society.
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