Ask Qul - QA
Question : #716 Category: Holy Qur'an
Subject: Al Baqarah
Question: Assalamulaykum

Hope all is fine brother.In surah al Baqarah

"wain kuntum fee raybin mimma nazzalna AAala AAabdina fatoo bisooratin min mithlihi waodAAoo shuhadaakum min dooni Allahi in kuntum sadiqeena"

THE TRANSLATION IS

and if ye are in doubt as to what "WE" have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.

Who does "WE" reffer or addressed to?

Because ALLAH is one.
Please help.Jazakallah
Answer: Bismillah al Rahman al Raheem

It is proper in the Arabic language to utilize the plural form when addressing a single person for respect. A common example of that is the Islamic greeting "Assalamu 'alaikum", which is used even when addressing a single individual as well as a group.

When Allah (swt) speaks in the Quran and sometimes He says "We", it is for GRANDEUR, as in the holy ayas:

"We have, without doubt, sent down the message; and we will
assuredly guard it (from corruption)." [15:9]

"We do relate unto thee that most beautiful of stories, in that we reveal to thee this (portion of the) Quran: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not." [12:3]

An example of the use of "I Am", singular, is in these ayas:

"Verily, I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve thou me (only), and establish regulal prayer for celebrating my praise." [20:14]

"O Moses! Verily I am Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise!" [27:9]

It is usually in proximity to the noun Allah, therefore it would be improper Arabic to say 'We are Allah', because it would, incorrectly, indicate plurality then!

Wassalam

If you require further clarification on this answer, please use the feature to respond to the stated answer.
Copyright © 2024 Qul. All Rights Reserved.
Developed by B19 Design.