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Why Does Allah Say “We” not “I” in the Qur’an?

Why “We” not “I”?

The Book of Allah is the eternal guidance that was sent down to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by angel Jibreel over a period of twenty three years. It is the speech of Allah and the everlasting miracle to the humanity. Allah preserves it till the Day of Reckoning:

Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy. (Fussilat 41:42)

The pronoun “we” is usually used by kings, presidents, and judges when they start talking or writing official letters. This expression implies greatness and majesty and is completely compatible with Almighty Allah.

When Almighty Allah distances Himself from a group of people, we will find the pronoun “He” in the Qur’an. The pronoun “You” is used when the slave talks to Allah in supplication as the slave becomes close to Allah. For example,

You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (Al-Baqarah 2:286)

The Pronoun “I” is usually used when there is an extreme case of love or anger. For example, repentance is an extreme love of Allah to His slaves as He says:

…and I am the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (Al-Baqarah 2:160)

In case of anger, the Almighty Allah says:

Indeed will I punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:115)

The pronoun “We” is used when Allah demonstrates His majesty, glorification, revelation, and things that He only can do. For example,

Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. (Al-Qadr 97:1)

And We have sent down rain from the sky in a measured amount and settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are Able to take it away. (Al-Mu`minun 23:18

Enjoy watching this interesting talk with Ustadh Nouman Khan to get the answer to the question of why Allah says “We” not “I” in the Qur’an.

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Source: IPC Youtube Channel.

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