Why some verses of Quran refer to God as a plural entity?
The reference to God using plural terms in some verses of the Qur'an can be understood in the context of linguistic and theological nuances. One such example is found in the verse: Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better)
2:22. This verse emphasizes Allah's unique role as the Creator and Sustainer, reminding humanity not to associate partners with Him.
In classical interpretations, the utilization of plural forms can signify majesty and greatness, a linguistic feature known as the "plural of majesty." This is similar to how monarchs may refer to themselves using plural pronouns to convey their supreme authority. Ibn Kathir explains that this expression serves to elevate the status of Allah, affirming His singular divinity while utilizing a form that denotes His grandeur.
Moreover, in Surah Al-Muminoon, it is stated: Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god along with Him; else would each god have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege
23:91. This verse firmly establishes the oneness of Allah, denying any partnership or division of divinity, and further clarifying that there is no deity except Him.
In summary, while some verses may use plural forms, they do so to emphasize the majesty and uniqueness of Allah's attributes, reinforcing the fundamental Islamic belief in His oneness and sole right to be worshipped. This linguistic choice does not imply a plurality in the essence of God but rather serves to highlight His supreme power and authority in creation.
Sources
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2:22 · Al-Baqara
2:22 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ فِرَٰشًۭا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءًۭ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءًۭ فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ رِزْقًۭا لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًۭا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
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23:91 · Al-Muminoon
23:91 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
مَا ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِن وَلَدٍۢ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُۥ مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ ۚ إِذًۭا لَّذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَٰهٍۭ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۢ ۚ سُبْحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god along with Him; else would each god have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege.
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