The Quran Answers False Assessments of the Quran: The Misinterpretation of the Term "We," Which God Uses in Reference to Himself
Contents
- Introduction
- Prejudice, Ulterior Motives and Lack of Sincerity
- Confusing Intricate (Mutashabih) Verses With Perspicuous (Muhkam) Ones
- Lack of Expertise in Qur'anic Interpretation Techniques
- Insufficient Knowledge of Arabic
- The Absence of God-Given Wisdom and Understanding
- Lack of Thinking
- Arrogance and Superiority
- Trying to Interpret the Qur'an with Old Traditions
- Inability to Understand the Scientific Qur'anic Verses
- Trying to Interpret the Qur'an According to the Flawed Values of the Established Order
- Wine-drinking in Heaven
- Another Incorrect Interpretation on the Subject of Wine
- The Claim that "Pork Produced Under the Strict Hygienic Surroundings of Today May Be Consumed"
- Seeing the Anecdotes in the Qur'an as Fables
- The Assumption That the Qur'an is a Copy or Imitation of Other Holy Books
- Incompatibilities and Differences
- The Misinterpretation of the Term "We," Which God Uses in Reference to Himself
- Failing to Understand the Examples Given in the Qur'an
- Failing to Understand the Repetitions in the Qur'an
- Failing to Understand the Style of the Qur'an
- The Subject of Creation in Six Days
- The Speculation About Noah's Flood
- Conclusion
God uses the term "We" to refer to Himself in many parts of the Qur'an. Some examples of these verses can be given:
We gave Moses the Book and sent a succession of Messengers after him. We gave Jesus, son of Maryam, the Clear Signs and reinforced him with the Purest Spirit. Why then, whenever a Messenger came to you with something your lower selves did not desire, did you grow arrogant, and deny some of them and murder others?!
Who would deliberately renounce the religion of Abraham except someone who reveals himself to be a fool? We chose him in the world and in the hereafter he will be one of the true believers. (Surat al-Baqarah: 130) The unwise assume the term "We," which God uses in reference to Himself in the Qur'an to be a plural form, and suggest that the use of this word contradicts the fact that there is no other deity but God. They believe they have made a very significant discovery. In fact, the explanation of this misinterpretation, resulting from a very superficial and ignorant approach, is quite simple. In Arabic, the pronoun "We" is not only used as a plural form, but is also applied to accentuate greatness, grandeur, majesty, glory, high rank and position in the singular as well. The term "We" used for God is applied in this context.
The mentality with which the term "We" is used in Arabic also applies to the polite use of the plural form of the pronoun "you" to refer to one person in French and some other foreign languages. The core and most significant message of the Qur'an is that there is no other deity but God, and that He alone must be obeyed. The fact that there is no other deity than God is stressed in various Qur'anic verses, such as:
This is the true account: there is no other deity besides God. God – He is the Almighty, the AllWise.(Surat Al 'Imran: 62) ... There is no deity except God, the One, the AllConquering. (Surah Sad: 65) Know then that there is no deity except God and ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the men and women who believe. God knows both your activity and your repose. (Surah Muhammad: 19)
It becomes apparent that the term "We" used in reference to God Himself in various parts of the Qur'an is not applied in the plural form but is intended to portray magnificence, respect and holiness. In fact, one does not necessarily have to be aware of this special use of the term in Arabic to grasp its purpose. Anyone with the least power of reasoning can appreciate the delicacy behind the term. The conditions of those who perceive this as a contradiction or defiance present a vivid picture of the level of their intelligence and understanding and the aptitude they display.