—meaning within a glass vessel—{the glass as if it were a pearly star}—which is the luminous form, and it is that which takes form like the likeness of a pearly star—{lit from a blessed tree}—the kindling is the illumination from the tree, and the tree is the form—{an olive, neither of the east nor of the west}—meaning He transcended it above the rising and setting witnessed by physical eyes—{its oil would almost glow}—meaning its light illuminates—{even if no fire had touched it}— meaning His light and illumination are like the likeness of fire yet do not burn—and His saying: {Light upon light}—meaning He illuminates over the celestial lights—{Allah guides to His light whom He wills} of His servants so that they may recognize Him through this similitude.
{And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things} 1
Through this verse, Allah struck a similitude for Himself, and He said: {And to Him belongs the highest attribute [al-Mathal al-A‘lā] in the heavens and the earth. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise} 2 .