More than One? – We in the Qur`aan
Archived under Knowledge .
Before I write on this topic, I'd like to re-iterate that I am not a scholar of Islaam, nor am I a student of knowledge (although I'm aspiring to be one inshaa`Allaah). However, I'm writing this because of an off-topic comment made by 'DT' regarding the use of the word 'we' when Allaah refers to Himself in the Qur`aan.
Those who have only just come across this usually think "ah-ha! There's a contradiction in the Qur`aan" – however, this is far from the truth. Some have come to the conclusion that Allaah's use of the Arabic word 'nahnu', 'we', indicates that Allaah is more than One, or that it refers to Allaah and His angels. Both conclusions are great errors and are not the beliefs of Muslims.
In numerous verses in the Qur`aan Allaah speaks about His Oneness and His Uniqueness – a concept which is known as 'tawheed' in Arabic. Tawheed (which can be divided into three categories or aspects) is the most important underlying foundation of Islaam, without which, one would be rendered a non-Muslim. Allaah speaks nothing but the Truth, so this is the first indication that the word 'we' used in the Qur`aan is not a contradiction to the concept of tawheed.
Examining the English Dictionary, one will find that the pronoun 'we' may refer to:
I and the rest of a group that includes me: you and I: you and I and another or others: I and another or others not including you -- used as pronoun of the first person plural
And it may also refer to:
I -- used by sovereigns; used by writers to keep an impersonal character.
As we have already established that the concept of tawheed is an underlying foundation is Islaam, it can safely be said that the first definition is contradictory. However, the second definition is the exact definition to explain the use of the word 'we' when Allaah refers to Himself in the Qur`aan.
In English, this 'we' is known as the 'royal we' which is used, mainly, by the royal family and elite class when referring to themselves. In the Qur`aan, Allaah refers Himself when He says 'nahnu', but He is giving Himself the Sovereignty that He deserves and indeed is. It does not imply that there is more than one god, nor does it refer to Allaah and His angels as the Qur`aan states:
"Say: He is Allah, The One and Only." (112:1)
"Verily I am Allah! There is no god but I, so worship Me..." (20:14)
"Verily, in blasphemy indeed are those who say that God is Christ the son of Mary (Jesus)." (5:17)
Your Thoughts
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy; may the peace and blessings be upon our final Messenger, Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all of those who follow their way until the Day of Resurrection.
As an additive to what the sister has wrote, walhamdulillaah, you'll see that Elizabeth and the family of hers (in London) use this word when signing the paper, but in the singular sense. Also, sometimes, as regularly as we talk, we use the word "we" and do not even mean two or more, it's just we that we refer to.
So, there's no contradiction whatsoever in the Qur'aan when Allaah states "We" in the final Revelation (Allaah's Speech - al-Qur'aan) to mankind.
I also encourage you, as we did, to research the word "we" to grasp a better understanding, if Allaah wills.
Any word that I have said that was wrong was from myself and the evil efforts of Shaytaan (the Devil); and any word which I said that was correct is from Allaah.
May Allaah reward you, my sister, with good in this life, and in the afterlife, and save your from the torment of the fire.
Mashaa`Allaahu tabaarakAllaah! Wa baarakAllaahu feeka akh.
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Assalamualaikum;
Thank you so much Sis, your thoughts were very much appreciated.
I have to say though that I wasn't thinking in terms of a contradiction. In hindsight it seems more fitting for Allah to refer to himself as "we" instead of "I" for He had revealed the words to the Prophet not spoken them directely.
I knew there had to be a purpose, thats what I was trying to understand. Yes, I agree with the second definition as well. Thanx again for shedding more light on it for me. :)