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:

  1. 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)

  1. Who answers the call?

“We answered his invocation”. [21:76-90] (4 Times)

  1. 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]**

  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]**

  1. Who chooses?

“Truly, We chose him in this world” [2:130]

  1. Whom shall we worship?

“Our worshippers” 12 times

“…and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers”. [21:73]

To Find the Answer