Allah62 is the light of the heavens and the earth:63 His light (in the universe) may be likened (to the light of) a lamp in a niche: the lamp is in a glass shade: the glass shade is like a glittering star and lamp is lit with the olive oil of a blessed tree64 which is neither eastern nor western:65 its oil is (so fine) as if it were going to shine forth by itself though no fire touched it (as though all the means of increasing) light upon light (were provided66 ); Allah guides to His light whomever He wills.67 He cites parables to make the Message clear to the people; He has perfect knowledge of everything.68 (Those who obtain guidance to His light are found) in the houses which He has enjoined to raise up and to mention His name therein.69 In them such people glorify Him morning and evening as are not diverted by trade and merchandise from remembering Him and from establishing Salat and paying Zakat, for they fear the Day when the hearts will be overturned and the eyes will become petrified. (And they behave like this) so that Allah may reward them for their excellent deeds and, in addition to it, show His favor to them out of His bounty: Allah provides without stint70 for anyone He pleases. (On the other hand,) the deeds of those who disbelieved,71 maybe likened to a mirage in a waterless desert, which the thirsty one took for water; but when he reached there he found nothing to drink; nay, he found there Allah Who settled his full account, and Allah is very swift at reckoning.72 Or (their efforts may be likened to those of a man trying to swim in) a deep dark ocean, covered with billows, one over the other, and above it a cloud: darkness upon darkness: so much so that if he stretches out his hand, he cannot see73 it. There is no light for the one whom Allah does not give light.74