On the Hermeneutics of the Light Verse of the Qur'an

The Light Verse (Quran, 24:35) has evoked numerous interpretations throughout the centuries. Here, Mulla Sadra devotes an entire chapter of his Quranic commentary to this verse, exploring the meaning of the divine light through metaphysics, ontology, epistemology, psychology, spiritual wayfaring, and traditional Quranic interpretation. Inspiring reading in and of itself, this spiritually uplifting book has also been used as a textbook in university courses on Quranic exegesis and Muslim philosophy. One of the greatest philosophers in Islamic history, Mulla Sadra (1571-1640) founded the transcendental school of philosophy (al-hikmat al-mutaaliyah). Born in Shiraz, Iran, he taught philosophy for many years under the auspices of the Safavid government before retiring to the village of Kahak for a fifteen year retreat. During this time, he formulated his signature approach to philosophy, theology, hadith, and Quranic exegesis an approach which remains influential to the present day.