IslamiCity.org Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Religion - Islam > Islam for non-Muslims
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - question about surah 80  What is Islam What is Islam  Donate Donate
  FAQ FAQ  Quran Search Quran Search  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

question about surah 80

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
lsof View Drop Down
Starter
Starter

Joined: 04 April 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lsof Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: question about surah 80
    Posted: 04 April 2006 at 1:49pm
Hello, i just wonder, why in this surah and also other is plural form we? Maybe someone could explain it to me?

24. Then let man look at his food, (and how We provide it):
25. For that We pour forth water in abundance,
26. And We split the earth in fragments,
27. And produce therein corn,
28. And Grapes and nutritious plants,
29. And Olives and Dates,
30. And enclosed Gardens, dense with lofty trees,
31. And fruits and fodder,-

Greetings
Lsof
Back to Top
superme View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar
Joined: 03 April 2006
Location: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Status: Offline
Points: 463
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote superme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 April 2006 at 1:59am

I would love to see other members give the input to your 1st post as this reply of mine is my 3rd. I have come across this thing before though, I will try to remember it where it is.

Anyway welcome, and you can welcome me too. There!

Back to Top
Maryga View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar
Joined: 10 July 2005
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 143
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Maryga Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 April 2006 at 5:19am

Peace Lsof,

I don't understand Arabic so I really am not qualified to comment on your question. However, because it is a translation from Arabic to English and having known a few other languages my understanding is that the term "we" as opposed to "I" is used as a mark of respect. Even if you read Shakespeare quite often you will come across that the Kings express themselves as "we". It is also the case even to this day in some parts of the world where people address themselves as "we". I found it bizarre first but now I am used to it. God is above everyone and everything and the ONLY ONE DESERVING of the utmost respect and I don't think there are suitably adequate words in the English language that can be used for God. Whilst we generally refer to God as "He" it is also not the right word as God is neither male nor female nor an inanimate object to use "it". I don't think we should dwell upon the terminology used because of the limitations of the languages.

Back to Top
lsof View Drop Down
Starter
Starter

Joined: 04 April 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lsof Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 April 2006 at 9:23am

Hello, again

Originally posted by Maryga Maryga wrote:

I don't understand Arabic so I really am not qualified to comment on your question. However, because it is a translation from Arabic to English ....

Do you know meybe someone who can arabic? Because all known by me translations render this sentence (and others) in plural form. I see that plural form is preceded by singular form.

Originally posted by Maryga Maryga wrote:

Whilst we generally refer to God as "He" it is also not the right word as God is neither male nor female nor an inanimate object to use "it". I don't think we should dwell upon the terminology used because of the limitations of the languages.

I'm interesting in how ***MUHAMMAD***refer to his God.

***This is a WARNING, if you are going to refer to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) you are to do it with respect or be banned.  It's that simple.  You don't have to agree with him or Islam, but you will be respectful in writing his name correctly or I will ban you.***

Greetings Lsof

080.022
YUSUFALI: Then, when it is His Will, He will raise him up (again).
PICKTHAL: Then, when He will, He bringeth him again to life.
SHAKIR: Then when He pleases, He will raise him to life again.

080.023
YUSUFALI: By no means hath he fulfilled what Allah hath commanded him.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but (man) hath not done what He commanded him.
SHAKIR: Nay; but he has not done what He bade him.

080.024
YUSUFALI: Then let man look at his food, (and how We provide it):
PICKTHAL: Let man consider his food:
SHAKIR: Then let man look to his food,

080.025
YUSUFALI: For that We pour forth water in abundance,
PICKTHAL: How We pour water in showers
SHAKIR: That We pour down the water, pouring (it) down in abundance,



Edited by Khadija1021
Back to Top
Maryga View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar
Joined: 10 July 2005
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 143
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Maryga Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 April 2006 at 10:12pm

Isof the Qur'an is the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) by the angel Gibreel (Gabriel). It is not the Prophet Mohammed's own words. The translations we read are from Arabic and the translators have endeavoured to provide the best and closest possible translations. The question why God has been referred as "we" in some places and "He" at others is not for us to speculate as that is how the revelation was received by the Prophet. The most important message of Islam is the unity of God - ie there is only ONE GOD so let not the terms "HE" and "WE" confuse you.

002.163
YUSUFALI: And your Allah is One Allah: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Your Allah is One Allah; there is no Allah save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: And your Allah is one Allah! there is no god but He; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.

The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) referred to God as Allah.

Back to Top
ak_m_f View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior  Member
Avatar

Joined: 15 October 2005
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 3272
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ak_m_f Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 April 2006 at 10:31pm
The Qur�an says very clearly that there is only One God, Allah. �There is no god but Allah� is the basic principle of Islam. There is no ambiguity about this fact in the Qur�an and there are hundreds of ayat or verses of the Qur�an that make this point very clear. Belief in more than one God is Shirk (polytheism) and a major sin according to the Qur�an.

Whenever in the Qur�an Allah is mentioned in the third person there are always singular pronouns used, such as He, him (Huwa or Hu). Whenever Allah is spoken to in the second person there are also singular pronouns, such as Thou, Thine and Thee (Anta, Ka). However only in the first person some times the pronouns I, My or Mine (Ana, Iyaya, ya) are used and sometimes We, Us and Our (Nahnu, Na) are used.

This is a style of speech. Sometime the speaker says I and sometime says we. We also use that in our conversations. In the Qur�an you will see that often the first person singular such as I or My is used, when Allah speaks about His love, care and closeness and forgiveness for His servants. In a similar way the first person plural is often used when Allah speaks about His power, majesty, glory, great deeds or when He speaks about His anger and wrath for the sinners and criminals. (This is, of course, the general use. Sometime the reverse is also the case, depending on the context of the Surah.)

See for example the verses where the first person singular is used: �When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.� (al-Baqarah 2:186) Or �Verily, I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.� (Taha 20:14) or �But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right, who, in fine, are ready to receive true guidance.� (Taha 20:82) or see another example where both pronouns are used side by side, �Before them the People of Noah rejected (their Messenger): they rejected Our servant, and said, �Here is one possessed!� and he was driven out. Then he called on His Lord: �I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!� So We opened the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters met (and rose) to the extent decreed. But We bore him on an (Ark) made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fiber: She floats under Our eyes (and care): a recompense to one who had been rejected (with scorn)! And We have left this as a Sign (for all time): then is there any that will receive admonition? But how (terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning? (al-Qamar 54:9-16)

See also some verses where the first person plural is used: �We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).� (al-Hijr 15:9) or �We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, but for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming� (al-Hijr 15:85) or �And among His Signs is this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the (dead) earth can surely give life to (men) who are dead. For He has power over all things.� (Fussilat 41:39). Or �Already has Our Word been passed before (this) to Our Servants sent (by Us). That they would certainly be assisted. And that Our forces, they surely must conquer. So turn thou away from them for a little while. And watch them (how they fare), and they soon shall see. Do they wish (indeed) to hurry on our Punishment? But when it descends into the open space before them, evil will be the morning for those who were warned (and heeded not) (al-Saffat 37:171-177). There are many other examples.

Back to Top
BMZ View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 03 April 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1852
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BMZ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 April 2006 at 8:18am
To put it simply, it is a Royal 'We'. When God uses 'We' in Qur'aan, God is
not talking of a Trinity or a team of two or many gods or Gods with God.

When the King or a Queen says, 'We", he/she is till a singular person.

Jesus never used the word 'We'. He always used to say 'I'. God in the Bible
also used 'I . God in the Bible never used We. That also would not mean
that since both spoke with an 'I', both of them are the same persons.

We does not mean "Three". 'We' could also mean many.

What baffles me is that people can tear apart, analyse and critique on
Shakespaere and others' pieces of literature but they cannot understand a
simple thing.
Back to Top
lsof View Drop Down
Starter
Starter

Joined: 04 April 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lsof Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 April 2006 at 10:55am
Originally posted by bmzsp bmzsp wrote:

God in the Bible never used We.


Not so really as "us" is considered as objective case of we.
In hebrew there is one verb for "Let us make".

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So i have next question about AL-BAQARA (THE COW), if of course i can ask questions:

What is person speaking about all the things – about fear Allah, believing in Unseen and guidance from their Lord?

Because for me this person or persons is not the Allah, Unseen, Lord as someone use another words to talk about himsef.

Lsof

002.002
YUSUFALI: This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
PICKTHAL: This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil).

002.003
YUSUFALI: Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
PICKTHAL: Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them;
SHAKIR: Those who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer and spend out of what We have given them.

002.004
YUSUFALI: And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
PICKTHAL: And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: And who believe in that which has been revealed to you and that which was revealed before you and they are sure of the hereafter.

002.005
YUSUFALI: They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
PICKTHAL: These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.
SHAKIR: These are on a right course from their Lord and these it is that shall be successful.


Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.03
Copyright ©2001-2019 Web Wiz Ltd.