Lessons from the Quran: Walking in Divine Light
Insights from the Reflections of Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani
The Quran is not a book of words—it is a living light. Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani reminds us that this Divine revelation is the firm rope of Allah, stretching between Heaven and Earth, offering guidance to every sincere heart. From his reflections, several timeless lessons emerge—lessons that call us to live with the Quran, not merely beside it.
1. The Qur’an Is a Light, Not Just a Text
The Quran is described as nūr—a light that illuminates the heart. It does not only inform the mind; it transforms the soul.
“A radiant light in the midst of darkness and a guiding lamp in the valley of confusion.”
When life becomes clouded by uncertainty or spiritual fatigue, this Divine light reveals the way back to clarity, sincerity, and inner peace.
(Quran, Surah al-An‘ām, Chapter 6, The Cattle, Verse 122)
“Is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him a light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge from it?”
2. It Is the Rope That Connects Us to God
Ayatollah Sobhani calls the Quran Habl Allah al-Matīn—the Firm Rope of Allah. It binds Heaven and Earth together. Whoever clings to it with sincerity finds stability when the world shakes.
(Quran, Surah al-‘Imrān, Chapter 3, The Family of Imran, Verse 103)
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
This rope does not fray—it is a source of strength, unity, and resilience in every era.
3. The Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt Are Inseparable
The Prophet (S) left behind two precious legacies: the Quran and his Pure Progeny. To follow one without the other is to walk with one eye closed. The light of the Quran shines fully only when reflected through the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Imam Ali (AS) said:
“Learn the Quran, for it is the best of speech, and understand it deeply, for it is the spring of hearts.”
(Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 110)
4. Serving the Qur’an Is Serving Humanity
Reciting, teaching, and spreading the Quran are acts of profound devotion. Ayatollah Sobhani emphasised that every person who helps preserve or share this light participates in a Divine service.
Even small actions—reading a verse daily, explaining it to a child, or embodying it through kindness—are forms of service that ripple beyond our sight.
(Quran, Surah Fāṭir, Chapter 35, The Originator, Verse 29)
“Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and spend from what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, hope for a trade that will never perish.”
5. True Success Lies in Living Its Message
The Quran does not only call us to read—it calls us to become.
Knowledge without transformation is like a lamp never lit. The true student of the Quran is one whose character reflects its mercy, justice, and patience.
(Quran, Surah al-Zumar, Chapter 39, The Companies, Verse 23)
“Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book, wherein is reiteration; the skins shiver from fear of their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah.”
When the Quran moves from our lips to our hearts, and from our hearts to our actions, it becomes the bridge to eternal success.
Final Reflection
Ayatollah Sobhani’s message reminds us that the Quran is not meant to be stored on shelves—it is meant to be lived, recited, and shared as a living light.
Every verse is a step on the path back to Allah, and every sincere act of reflection turns our hearts into small lamps of guidance.
May we hold fast to this Divine Rope, walk in its light, and become mirrors of its message in a darkened world.
Reference: ABNA