I
would like to know whether Nur (light) is a Sif'at of Allah (SWT), or is Nur a
creation of Allah (SWT). When it is mentioned in the Quraan that Allah is the
light of the heavens and the earth, what does that mean. With reference to the
narration that Allah first created the Nur of Rasulullah (SAW) and from that
Nur, Allah (SWT) created the rest of creation, does the Nur of Rasulullah (SAW)
refer to His soul? Is there different types of Nur, and if so please enlighten
me with regards to what each one refers to?

Answer: 

Noor literally refers to divine light. Imam Gazali Rahimahullah has defined it as something which is bright and manifests on its own, and make other things bright and evident. Noor in its common meaning cannot be attributed to Allah Ta'aala, since He is free from body and materiality. Therefore, the scholars are unanimous that where Noor is attributed to Allah Ta'aala, it is in the meaning of Munawwir, meaning the one who brightens (the illuminator) or master of brighteness. It is vastly used in Arabic that possessor of grace is called grace and the possessor of justice is called justice and so on. Noor is one of the sublime qualities and just as every other quality i.e. Sam’ (hearing), Basar (watching), etc. the essence cannot be comprehended nor its facts and details can be explained. So, where Allah Ta'aala has been referred as the light in the verse of Surah An-Noor, simply means that Allah Ta'aala bestows Noor to the heavens and the earth and to everything living therein, and the Noor purported to be the Noor of guidance and righteousness. Ibn Kathir Rahimahullah has reported the explanation put forward by Ibn Abbas Radhiallahu Anhu that is Allah Ta'aala is the guide of all living in the heavens and the earth. (Ma'ariful Qur'an Vol. 6 Pg. 422) 

As far as the enquired Hadith is concerned, many have regarded it unauthentic. However, overlooking the status of the Hadith, Nabi's Sallallahu Alai Wasallam soul is referred to in the quote as Hazrat Molana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Rahimahullah stated in his book Nashr ut Teeb. 

AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: MOHSIN KHAN 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B. 

Islamic Date: ٢٩ محرم ١٤٤١ 

English Date: 29 September 2019