Why do you need to witness the light of Allāh? So that you may come to truly know Allāh. Our goal is the pursuit of divine knowledge.

Our Lord provides an answer to this question.

He spoke to us, and the verse in the Qurʾān is unequivocal: "Those who remember Allāh while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth." (Qur’ān 3:191)

The phrase "those who remember" indicates that, initially, we may not require the light of Allāh; rather, we need abundant remembrance (dhikr). We then progress to the stage of contemplation (tafakkur), where the light of Allāh becomes essential.

"...and reflect..."

At this stage of contemplation, the need for the light arises, while in the stage of remembrance, it might not be as crucial, as remembrance can be an act of the physical faculties (aʿmāl al-jawāriḥ), performed by the tongue. However, in the realm of thought (fikr), if we engage in contemplation regarding the creation of the heavens and the earth without the light of Allāh, our conclusions might contradict the reality of divine creation. This could lead us to erroneous conclusions, diverging from the truth. Yet, as long as we remember Allāh, fulfilling the first part of the verse, we are urged by the next part to delve into contemplation (tafakkur) about the heavens and the earth.

In circumstances where we disregard the light of Allāh and claim, as many do today, "Why bother with the light of Allāh when we can contemplate creation with the Qurʾān alone?" a wake-up call is necessary to shake off the slumber of our ignorance and delusion.

Consider the following verse: "Then He turned towards the heaven when it was still smoke". (Qur’ān 41:11)

Thus, we must witness the sky as dukhān (smoke) in order to understand the phases of creation. In its current state, when we gaze at the sky, we see stars and moons. Yet, it is only through the light of Allāh that we can perceive the sky as it truly was in the beginning—shrouded in smoke.

Another verse states: "Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth." (Qur’ān 24:35)

To comprehend the origin of the heavens and the earth, and to witness that primordial smoke, we need the light of the heavens and the earth. Some may dismiss this as a misleading insinuation (iltibās) from shayṭān. Yet the Qurʾān is unequivocal in the verses mentioned. If we choose to align with the deniers, we join them in their rejection; but if we place our faith in the Majesty of the Lord, we align ourselves with the Divine.

The Qurʾān decrees that there are seven heavens. The Prophet ﷺ described them, saying: “The first heaven, in relation to the second, is like a ring in a vast desert; likewise, the second heaven, in relation to the third, is like a ring in a vast desert, and so on.” 

By believing in the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, our being expands to encompass the seven heavens, each like a ring in a boundless desert, containing countless worlds. But if we choose the path of denial, these rings become mere zeros—empty, non-existent.

How can one not respond with derision when someone questions the necessity of Allāh’s light—when the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ himself was constantly seeking it? Consider his supplication upon entering the mosque: “O Allāh, place light in my heart, light in my hearing, and light in my sight.” This is not the plea of an ordinary being; the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ transcends the ranks of creation, embodying the pinnacle of divine craftsmanship.

Now, ask the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ:

“Why did you make this duʿāʾ?” 

“What is your need for the light of Allāh?”

“Why the light of Allāh?”

He responds: “O Allāh, place light in my hearing, and light in my sight, and light in my tongue.” And he continues: “Place light to my right, and light to my left, light ahead of me, and light behind me, light above me, and light below me.”

This means that the Messenger ﷺ witnessed the light of Allāh enveloping him from all directions—above, below, ahead, and behind.

But his invocation does not end there. It extends further: “O Allāh, place light in my hair, light in my skin, light in my flesh, and light in my bones, and render me luminous throughout.” This is a ḥadīth recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim.

So, if you dare to ask why we seek the light of Allāh, direct your question to the Messenger ﷺ, and you will receive your answer. I shall say no more.

Do you understand now?

If you truly understood, you would have already embraced the light of Allāh.