Understanding the Use of 'He' for Allah in Islamic Texts

Explore why Allah is referred to as 'he' in religious texts and what this means linguistically and theologically.

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Allah is referred to as 'he' in many religious texts and translations because many languages, including Arabic, use a default male pronoun for God. It reflects linguistic conventions rather than a literal gender attribution, as Allah, in Islamic belief, transcends human characteristics, including gender.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why is Allah not referred to as 'she'? In Arabic, the default pronoun for God is male, reflecting linguistic norms; however, this does not imply a gendered nature of Allah.
  2. Do other religions use gendered language for God? Yes, many religions have specific pronouns that align with their traditional texts, although perceptions of divinity may vary.
  3. What does it mean for God to be beyond gender? In many beliefs, including Islam, God is considered transcendent and not confined by human attributes, including gender.
  4. How does language affect religious beliefs? Language shapes the understanding and representation of religious concepts, potentially influencing followers' interpretations and beliefs.

Watch More

Interested in exploring more about the linguistic aspects of religious texts? Check out our videos on gender representations in various religions and the role of language in shaping beliefs.

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