Symboliser et figurer le divin en Islam classique : entre lumière naturelle et lumière artificielle

Abstract

Light, natural as artificial, is a foundational symbol for all three monotheistic religions. The symbolism of light is often invoked to signify the ubiquitous and omnipresent divine presence. In Christianity, God is associated with natural, vertical light from the sky, translating both the celestial origins and allpowerfulness. In Islam, this identification of celestial with divine light is treated somewhat differently. Indeed, divine light is identified first of all with the artificial light produced by luminaries and their horizontal and circular light. This symbolism of artificial light is based on the “verse of Light” (Koran 24:35). The double identification – the Light of God, and the lamp of the Prophet – produced by this verse plays a significant role both in Koranic exegesis and Islamic philosophy, and in Islamic society in general. In religious archi-tecture, the various luminaries placed throughout the mosque contribute to commemorating the divine and creating a stage for divine space. 776