This thesis research begins with the reality that light is an important and special existence in the natural world around human life. We can see all objects in nature and around us thanks to light. Without light, life on Earth would not be able to function normally and perfectly. Apart from that light has various meanings. Starting from light that has actual meaning such as the light of the sun, stars, and moon. Then light has other meanings such as the light of faith, the light of the holy Qur’an, the light of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, and many more which have been mentioned in the holy Qur’an.
This research focuses on two problem formulations, that is the concept of light in the holy Qur’an and interpretation of light verses in the holy Qur’an. This research aims to find out how contains the meaning analysis of the concept of light in the holy Qur’an including the concept of light in the holy Qur’an and interpretation of light verses in the holy Qur’an using a study thematic interpretation approach.
This is library research with a qualitative approach. The main data sources for this research are interpretations from classical to contemporary as follows: Classical interpretations such as Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī (302 H/915 M), Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī (671 H/1272 M), Tafsīr Ibnu Kasīr (762 H/1340 M). Interpretation of the middle period such as Tafsīr Fatḥu al-Qadīr (1223 H/1801 M). Modern-Contemporary interpretations such as Tafsīr al-Munīr (1411 H/1991 M), Tafsīr fī Ẓilāli al-Qurʾān (1343 H/1925 M), Tafsir An-Nuur (1371 H/1951 M), Tafsir Al-Azhar (1383 H/1964 M), Tafsir Al-Misbah (1422 H/2002 M), etc. In collecting data, this research uses documentation techniques, namely the author will collect several verses from the holy Qur’an that explain the concept of light. The technique used by the author to analyze this data is to use descriptive analysis techniques, describing the concept of light in general from classical to contemporary interpretations.
Based on the research that has been carried out, it produces two conclusions. The concept of light in the Qur’an is the apparent thing through which all manifestations occur, and the apparent thing in itself and the manifestation to something else is called light. In other words, light in the Qur’an refers to something that can bring manifestation to something else, wether, abstract or concrete things. Light in the Qur’an is divided into two types, the first is physical lights that bring manifestation to concrete things such as moonlight, sunlight, daylight, firelight, lightning, and light of olive oil. This type light is usually expressed by term ḍiyāʼ and sirāj, even though it is used nūr in three verses. The second is metaphysical light includes light of faith, light of the prophet Muhammad SAW, light of the holy Qur’an, light of Taurat, light of Injil, light of Allah SWT, light of Islamic religion, light of Tauhid, light of guidance, light of good deeds, light of justice, and light of Kitabullah. Metaphysical light is usually expressed with the word nūr, although there are also those who use ḍiyāʼ in one verse and sirāj in one verse. In conclusion, light in the Qur’an means something that manifestation to both concrete and abstract things.