An-Nur النُّورُ
Transliteration: An-Noor
Meaning: The Light, The Illuminator
معنی: نور، روشنی دینے والا
Arabic Root: ن-و-ر (Naara) — to illuminate, to shine, to give light
An-Nur is the Light — not the light of the sun or stars, which are created lights, but the uncreated divine Light that illuminates all of existence. The Quran's most celebrated verse about this name: 'Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp...' (24:35). This is among the most commented upon verses in Islamic theological literature — the Light that illuminates the physical universe, the Light that guides the believer to truth, the Light that will be the illumination of the believers in the Hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ famously said in a comprehensive dua: 'O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right, light on my left, light above me, light below me, light before me, light behind me, and make light for me.' The repetition of 'light' emphasizes that all dimensions of human existence require illumination from An-Nur.
Complete Meaning of An-Nur
An-Nur is the Light — not the light of the sun or stars, which are created lights, but the uncreated divine Light that illuminates all of existence. The Quran's most celebrated verse about this name: 'Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp...' (24:35). This is among the most commented upon verses in Islamic theological literature — the Light that illuminates the physical universe, the Light that guides the believer to truth, the Light that will be the illumination of the believers in the Hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ famously said in a comprehensive dua: 'O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right, light on my left, light above me, light below me, light before me, light behind me, and make light for me.' The repetition of 'light' emphasizes that all dimensions of human existence require illumination from An-Nur.
Benefits of An-Nur
- 1.The Prophet's ﷺ dua of light directly invokes An-Nur for comprehensive illumination of all faculties
- 2.Reflecting on An-Nur transforms how one sees knowledge — all true knowledge is light from An-Nur
- 3.Calling upon An-Nur for guidance when in spiritual darkness or confusion
- 4.Reciting 'Allahu Nurul-Samawati wal-Ard' (24:35) is among the most powerful dhikrs for guidance
- 5.An-Nur's light in the heart is iman — the most precious light a human can possess
How to Do Dhikr of An-Nur
Recite the Prophet's ﷺ complete dua of light: 'Allahumma ij'al fi qalbi nura wa fi lisani nura wa fi sam'i nura wa fi basari nura wa min fawqi nura wa min tahti nura wa an yamini nura wa an yasari nura wa min amami nura wa min khalfi nura — waj'al li nura' (Bukhari & Muslim). This dua is recommended before Tahajjud prayer.
How to Use An-Nur in Dua
When in spiritual darkness: 'Ya Nur, nawwir qalbi bi nurik wa la taj'al alayna dhulmatan min wara' alladhina kafaru' — O Light, illuminate my heart with Your light and do not make darkness over us from behind those who disbelieve. When seeking knowledge: 'Ya Nur, nawwir basirati bi nuril-Quran wa nawwir qalbi bi nuril-iman' — O Light, illuminate my insight with the light of the Quran and illuminate my heart with the light of faith.
Spiritual Lesson from An-Nur
An-Nur reveals the Islamic philosophy of knowledge and guidance: all true illumination comes from the divine Light. The human intellect without An-Nur's guidance is like a lamp without oil — it has the structure but not the illumination. The Quran is described as 'a clear light' (4:174) and the Prophet ﷺ as 'a lamp spreading light' (33:46). Proximity to An-Nur through Quran, prayer, and righteous deeds increases the light in the heart. Distance from An-Nur through sin dims it.
An-Nur in the Quran
اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ
"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp."
أَفَمَنْ شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِ
"Is the one whose chest Allah has expanded for Islam so that he is upon a light from his Lord [better than one who is hardhearted]?"
Prophetic Tradition
"Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise."
An-Nur is name number 93 of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. Understanding and reflecting on its meaning — The Light, The Illuminator — is a means of drawing closer to Allah and entering Paradise through the promise of the Prophet ﷺ.
Frequently Asked Questions about An-Nur
Q1.What does An-Nur mean?
An-Nur means 'The Light' — Allah is the uncreated divine Light that illuminates the heavens, the earth, hearts, and all of existence. All other light in the universe is a created reflection of the divine Light.
Q2.What is the Ayat an-Nur (the Light Verse)?
Surah An-Nur (24:35) — 'Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth...' — is among the most celebrated verses in the Quran. It uses an elaborate metaphor of a lamp in a niche to describe how divine Light illuminates reality. Imam al-Ghazali wrote an entire book (Mishkat al-Anwar) commenting on this verse.
Q3.What is the Prophet's ﷺ dua of light?
Before Tahajjud prayer, the Prophet ﷺ would say: 'Allahumma ij'al fi qalbi nura...' requesting light in his heart, tongue, hearing, sight, right, left, above, below, before, behind — and making light for him completely. This comprehensive dua of light is in Bukhari and Muslim and is among the most recommended duas.
Name Information
👶 Baby Names from An-Nur
Related Names
🌟 Famous People with This Name
Nour Eldin Zangi
12th century Muslim ruler of Aleppo and Damascus, known for his role in unifying Muslims before the Crusades and his piety
Understanding An-Nur — A Complete Islamic Guide
An-Nur (النُّورُ) is one of the names included in the traditional list of the 99 Names of Allah, commonly known as Asma ul Husna. Its English meaning is The Light, The Illuminator. In Urdu, it is explained as نور، روشنی دینے والا. This page explores its meaning and its place within the Glory & Perfection theme.
Arabic Root: ن-و-ر (Naara) — to illuminate, to shine, to give light
Verified Quran occurrence count: 4
Understanding the Glory & Perfection Theme
The category shown here is an editorial theme used to organize the names for easier study. Explore how An-Nur relates to this theme through its meaning, relevant Quranic passages, and explanations supported by reliable sources.
Other Glory & Perfection Names:
Reflecting on An-Nur in Daily Life
Understand the Meaning
Study the meaning of An-Nur and consult reliable Islamic sources to understand its context and significance.
Use in Dua
The Quran teaches believers to call upon Allah by His Beautiful Names (Quran 7:180). Consider the meaning of this name when making a supplication appropriate to its meaning.
Reflect on Its Meaning
Reflect on what this name teaches about Allah. Distinguish personal reflection from a specific religious practice or promised outcome that would require separate evidence.
Islamic Baby Names Derived from An-Nur
Some Muslim names are formed using “Abd” or “Abdul,” meaning “servant of,” together with a name of Allah, according to established Arabic naming conventions. Check the Arabic form and the meaning of each suggested name carefully before choosing it. The names listed below are related suggestions, not necessarily direct derivatives of this particular divine name.
Continue Learning the 99 Names of Allah
Explore More Islamic Names
"And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them." — Quran (7:180)