Monday, 21 September 2009

A question for the Muslim

I am puzzled over the use of 'WE' in the Qur'an in which Allah refers to himself in plural form.

I would appreciate it if a Muslim could elaborate on this matter and educate us all where this use of 'WE' originally comes from, what it means, if it was used as such prior to Islam?

5 comments:

Ehteshaam Gulam said...

oh THIS is a good question. Its a form of royalty, When Allah is speaking like this, He is talking in a very royal language. The term WE is used in glory.

Hogan Elijah Hagbard said...

What evidence do you have that this is a form of royal language. Does the Qur'an specifically state that? Are there any historical evidences that this was a common trend among royalcy in Arabic language?

Well, I am not expert on this field but some of the Islamic scholars I have read so far suggest that this is a reference to plurality, e.g. Allah and the angels. What do you think of that?

Hogan Elijah Hagbard said...

Ok Gulam

Bedtime, see you tomorrow

God bless

Ehteshaam Gulam said...

okay, let me revise what I said.

The We is an Arabic and Hebrew Plural of respect. In both Arabic and Hebrew, there are two types of "we". One is the plural pronoun used by English speaking countries and the second is the plural of RESPECT. We is used in the Quran when describing Allah Almighty in the second sense. It is used to magnify and glorify God as well as to display respect and humility to our Creator.

This is a good question, Hogan. Keep it up. I'll try to do a response on my website as soon as this week and homework are over.

Speaking of homework, I gotta do some. Later

Ehteshaam Gulam
http://www.answering-christian-claims.com

Hogan Elijah Hagbard said...

Gulam wrote:

The We is an Arabic and Hebrew Plural of respect. In both Arabic and Hebrew, there are two types of "we". One is the plural pronoun used by English speaking countries and the second is the plural of RESPECT. We is used in the Quran when describing Allah Almighty in the second sense. It is used to magnify and glorify God as well as to display respect and humility to our Creator.

Elijah replies:

I know that in English language royalty may address themselves as we. But that is English language and custom!

How do you know that this is the meaning of Allah addressing himself in the Qur'an?

Are there any evidences from the Arabic language that preceeded Islam that this usage was meant in that manner?

A response and challenge to those who oppose the Christian faith.