A Prayer That Found Us
Three years ago, I was guiding a pilgrimage in Sainte Baume, the sacred cave said to hold the memory of Mary Magdalene.
Among the circle was my dear sister Aisha, a practicing Muslim woman, not there because of Mary’s name, but because she was called to be with me, and with the dear ones we had gathered.
The day I guided us to the entrance of Mary’s cave, she stood at the entry in silence as a dua (prayer) came to her - a prayer she couldn’t remember on the spot, but one that she felt rising within her like light.
That evening at dinner, she told us what had happened, how the prayer had reawakened in her body. She later looked it up, it was called Du‘āʾ al-Nūr, The Prayer of Light, a prayer said by many before entering sacred spaces.
The next morning, I asked her if she would share it with our circle. And she did, in both Arabic and in English, from her heart and it will always be one of my very favorite gifts and memories of this lifetime.
She gave me this handwritten copy.
I’ve been saying it, and sharing it, ever since.
The Prayer of Light - Du‘āʾ al-Nūr
This is a prophetic prayer from the Islamic tradition, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him). It is said when entering sacred places: mosques, holy shrines, even inner sanctums of prayer.
It is a prayer of embodiment, calling light into every part of your being.
O Allah, place light in my heart
Light in my hearing, light in my seeing
Light before me, behind me
Light above me, beneath me
Light in my bones, in my blood
In my hair, in my skin
And increase me in light
Light upon light
Upon light
Ameen
Listen to the Prayer
You are welcome to sit with me, repeat it with me, or simply let the words pour over you like warm, healing light.
Living the Prayer
This prayer isn’t just something to say, it’s something to live.
Here are simple ways to embody it in daily life:
When you wake:
Place your hand over your heart. Whisper: “Allahuma ij-al fee kalbi noora” (O God, place light in my heart) Let it guide your words and choices that day.
When you enter a space:
A sacred church, a friend’s home, your office, or your own studio. Pause at the threshold. Say silently: “Make me a bearer of light.”
When you feel scattered:
Recite the lines aloud or within: “Light above me. Light below me. Light within me.” Feel your field re-center.
When you need strength:
Say: “Increase me in light. Upon light. Upon light.” Feel it in your bones.
The Full Prayer Translated
Oh Allah
Place light in my heart
And light in my tongue
And light in my hearing
And light in my seeing
And light from above me
And light from below me
And light on my right
And light on my left
And light ahead of me
And light behind me
Place light in my soul
Magnify for me light
And amplify for me light
And place light in my nerves
And light in my body
And light in my blood
And light in my hair
And light in my skin
Increase me in light
Increase me in light
Increase me in light
Grand me
Light upon light
A Final Word
I will never forget Aisha sitting in the circle that morning, reciting this sacred prayer in her mother tongue. There was light in her voice, and we all felt it.
This prayer is for everyone.
Not because of a religion or tradition, but because we are all made of light.
And sometimes, we just need to remember.
May you be surrounded by light.
May you be filled with light.
May you walk with light -
Light upon light
Upon light.
Ataahua! So beautiful. Blessings of light to you and yours too Patricia. xo
Ahhhh this took me right back! Feeling the tears and much needed light now as my body fights off a terrible flu. Love you Pat and forever cherishing the sacredness of that moment in time, with beloved sisters, and the love felt through prayer.