Noor (light) is a concept deeply entrenched in Fatemi philosophy. The Khamsat ul At-haar (SA) are the noor of Allah and this noor is passed on from father to son, from Imam to Imam in the progeny of Rasulullah (SAW) to the day of Qiyamat. Indeed it is the noor radiating from the forehead of Imam uz Zamaan (SA) that gives the sun its brilliant light. In satr (seclusion) the noor of Panjatan (SA) and Imam uz Zamaan (SA) emanates from the forehead of the Dai al Mutlaq.

 ‘Ayat un Noor

The 24^th Sura of the Quran e Majeed, Surat un Noor; is named thus for an ‘ayat embedded within it. ‘Ayat un Noor (The verse of the Light) as it is named, is renowned for its remarkable beauty and imagery: a succinct metaphor that may be visually grasped by anyone, yet its symbolism suggests layers of meanings within.

“Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth. The Parable of his Light is a Niche within which is a Lamp. The Lamp enclosed in Glass, the Glass as it were a brilliant Star…”   

                                                                                    (Surat un Noor 35)   

In Fatemi Art

Upon the restoration of Al Jame ul Anwar, Aqa Maula (TUS) determined that it would befit a Fatemi masjid to have lamps in the Fatemi tradition. He chose the design of the mishkaat carved in Al Aqmar. These glass lanterns are now a familiar sight to the discerning visitor, at the Fatemi jawame’ in Qahera as well as other masajid and mashahid throughout the world.

The Quran: The Noor

Imam Zain ul Abedeen (SA) in a dua describes the Quran as the Light that guides in the darkness of ignorance and the noor that will never be extinguished. Aqa Maula (TUS) speaking of noor exclaimed Quran is noor and Imam uz Zamaan (SA) is noor un ala noor (light upon light).

There are numerous ‘ayat n the Quran e Majeed speaking of noor, one ‘ayat which is at the core of the Fatemi faith is a challenge thrown at the enemies of deen who seek to extinguish the Light of Allah. Allah promises that His noor will indeed be complete in spite of the unbelievers.

Aqa Maula (TUS) expounds: The enemies of Rasulullah (SAW) sought to extinguish the noor of Allah by martyring Imam Husain (SA), however the noor continued in Imam Zain ul Abedeen (SA) and shall continue in his progeny till the Day of Qiyamat.

Today in the satr of Imam uz Zaman (SA) this noor is perceived in his Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS). The Quran e Majeed testifies to this:

يا ايها الناس قد جاءكم برهان من ربكم و انزلنا اليكم نورا مبينا                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ( Sure An Nisa 173)