Ultimate Questions in Philosophy of Religion
Chapter 15: The Paradox of “I or WE”
Unity of God is the cornerstone of Islam. Yet, we come across many Ayat in the Holy Quran, which refers to Godhead with a plural pronoun. Consider the following Ayat:
- Creation
“We have created”: 22 times
“And indeed, We created man from dried clay of altered mud” [15: 26]
“And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth”. [15:85]
“Or did We create the angels female while they were witnesses?!” [37:150]
“Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?!” [56:59]
(Yusuf Ali translation)
- Who answers the call?
“We answered his invocation”. [21:76-90] (4 Times)
- Who sends the revelation?
“We send”: 31 times ( و نزلناه انزلنا، انزلناه، نزلنا )
Verily, We have sent it (the Holy Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr**”. [97:1]**
- Who save(s)?
“We save”: more than 30 times و انجينا - و نجينا ))
“And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah**” [41: 18]**
- Who chooses?
“Truly, We chose him in this world” [2:130]
- Whom shall we worship?
“Our worshippers” 12 times
“…and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers”. [21:73]
To Find the Answer