The Lamp of God
“O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a bringer of good news and a warner, and a caller to Allah by His permission and a light-giving lamp. Give good news to the believers that they will receive immense favor from Allah”. (33:45-47)
In the Islamic faith, Allah is known to be an omnipotent and omniscient God. The Qur’an says that believers are to learn His words and teachings. According to the Islamic faith, the prophet Muhammad was given these words through the angel Gabriel so that he would teach the people of the world. As God’s messenger, Muhammad was required to memorize God’s words and live by example. This is why the Sunnah is so important in the Muslim faith.
In the shape poem, the lamp represents Muhammad and the rays of light coming from within it represent God. The lines of the poem itself discuss the prophet’s connection with Allah and his responsibilities to properly lead believers in their Islamic journey. The Shahada reinforces their relationship by stating that Muhammad should be accepted as the Messenger of Allah. It is him alone that should be regarded as the true interpreter. Due to his important status in the Islamic community, his family is also considered to be special. In Shia Islam, the Ahl al-bayt or “People of the House”, are revered; the Shi’ites closely identify Muhammad’s family (especially Ali and Hussein) with the imams.
It is because of his unique connection with Allah that people of this world are able to learn and understand the will and the way of God.