Why does the Quran use “we”?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

There are two pronouns that are used to refer to Allah the Almighty in the Qur’an. They are ‘He’ and ‘We’. The two pronouns are used to distinguish Allah the Almighty from His Creatures.

Allah the Almighty is beyond any conceivable image that may be perceived in the minds of mortals. This is based on the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whatever comes to your mind regarding physical characteristics or attributes befitting mortals, Allah is far Exalted above that, and that does not express the real concept of Allah.”

This indicates that Allah’s Divine Entity is beyond the perception of mortals. The Qur’an was revealed in the Arabic language and it speaks about Allah in the most perfect manner. Masculinity was considered by the Arabs to be a basic good quality and this naturally found expression in their language. When the Qur’an addresses humanity, it uses the language of perfection and completion.

All Muslims must have firm belief that Allah the Almighty does not resemble any of His Creatures. He, the Almighty and Sublime is neither a male nor a female. This fact is as clear as daylight as it is mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah the Almighty says: “Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer.” (Ash-Shu`araa’: 11)

Almighty Allah is far more Exalted above what man may imagine about His Divine Entity, because Allah is not matter, accidental or an object. He is the Sole Creator and naturally the Creator is absolutely different from what He creates.

Also, The term “We” in the Quran is the royal “We” – as an example when the king says, “We decree the following declaration, etc.” or, “We are not amused.” It does not indicate plural; rather it displays the highest position in the language. English, Persian, Hebrew, Arabic and many languages provide for the usage of “We” for the royal figure. It is helpful to note the same dignity is given to the person being spoken to in English. We say to someone, “You ARE my friend.” Yet the person is only one person standing there. Why did we say “ARE” instead of “IS”? The noun “you” is singular and should therefore be associated with a singular verb for the state of being, yet we say, “are.” The same is true for the speaker when referring to himself or herself. We say, “I am” and this is also in the royal plural, instead of saying, “I is.”

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK