ABSTRACT
This chapter examines al-Ghazālī’s Qur’anic interpretations in Mishkāt al-anwār. These interpretations accompany his hermeneutical theories in the same work, already discussed in Chapter 3. The focus here is on his treatment of the so-called ‘Light Verse’, Q24:35, quoted again here for ease of reference:
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His Light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, the glass is like a glittering star. It is kindled from a blessed olive tree, neither of the East nor the West. Its oil would almost shine, even if no fire has touched it. Light upon Light, Allah guides to his Light whomever He pleases and gives the examples to mankind. Allah has knowledge of everything.
