Dua of Light Explanation
As he set out for the mosque—about to stand before the King of Kings—the Prophet ﷺ sent forth words ahead of him, humble offerings before his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic:
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِي قَلْبِي نُورًا، وَفِي بَصَرِي نُورًا، وَفِي سَمْعِي نُورًا، وَعَنْ يَمِينِي نُورًا، وَعَنْ يَسَارِي نُورًا، وَفَوْقِي نُورًا، وَتَحْتِي نُورًا، وَأَمَامِي نُورًا، وَخَلْفِي نُورًا، وَاجْعَلْ لِي نُورًا
“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 beneath me, light before me, and light behind me. And grant me light.” (Al-Bukhari)
وَفِي لِسَانِي نُورًا، وَأَعْظِمْ لِي نُورًا، وَاجْعَلْنِي نُورًا
Additional wordings recorded in Sahih Muslim include, “and light in my tongue,” and “magnify for me the light,” and “make me light.”
Occasions for saying this du’a
While it is commonly uttered when going to the mosque, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say this du’a of light at different times, and the narrations vary slightly about the exact moment. Scholars reconciled these variations by saying the Prophet (peace be upon him) likely repeated this du’a in more than one situation thus making it a versatile supplication for all times.
What each phrase awakens in you
Light in my heart: a sound heart that recognises truth, repels doubts, and loves obedience.
Light in my sight: eyes that notice blessings, avoids the impermissible and sees lessons in events.
Light in my hearing: ears that welcome truth and filter gossip.
Light on my tongue: speech that is truthful and useful; encouraging and motivating; words that please Allah.
Light on my right and left: surrounded by others who share in the light—those on his right and left.
Light before me and behind me: “before me”—i.e., ahead of me—a guiding light; “behind me”—so that those who come after me follow my light.
Light above me and beneath me: meaning, surround me with light (nur) from all six directions.
“And grant me light”: It may mean a tremendous light encompassing all lights—as indicted by the tanwin (indefiniteness of the word ‘nur’)— a light encompassing those mentioned here and others not mentioned.
“And magnify for me [the] light”: Ibn Hubayrah said, “After asking for light for each sense and direction—to illumine every quarter he faces—he then asked for additional light, and that he be granted light that is made his, enduring with him: ‘grant me a light,’ i.e., let it not be taken away. Then he said, ‘and increase me in light,’ as if to say: I cannot have enough of the light by which I know You, the meanings of Your speech, and the secrets of Your glorification.”
Make me light: light is not limited to the person alone but radiates outward, touching those around him—he is source of light and benefit for others.
Why this du’a matters
The Prophet (peace be upon him) regularly asked for light (nur)—everywhere: in the core (heart), the senses (hearing/seeing/speech), and the six directions. He asked for an increase in light and to be made a light himself. It’s a simple, comprehensive way to ask Allah to make us better.
