Question-01: When referring to Allah, the Exalted, in the Quran, why we say HE or HIM?? Why don’t we say SHE or HER???

Questioner: Mr. Prokritii Wazed
Answered by: Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
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In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Dear Mr. Wazed, we would like to express our appreciation for your eagerness toward the holy Quran and its understanding. May Allah guide all of us to the right way laeading to Al-Jannah.

First of all, we would like to mention that Allah, Ta’ala cannot be described as masculine or feminine in any true sense; rather, the use of the masculine pronoun in case of Allah, Ta’ala is necessary for the purpose of communication as per grammatical rules of Semetic languages including Arabic. Although Allah, Ta’ala is far beyond any masculinity and femininity. When any matter/thing cannot be described as neuter, then a language may prefer to speak of something in the masculine, as that is easier and it is the basic principle. The issue is termed as “Limitation of Language” which is a part of Philosophy of Language. Everything that is either masculine or feminine is something that is created, and Allah, may He be exalted, is the Creator of the masculine and feminine

It should be noted that one of the basic principles of communication is that every matter/thing is to be distinguished in terms of gender. This is an ancient style of human languages, but there are some matters/things which do not go with any real gender (masculine or feminine), as is the case with non-living objects such as stones and mountains, and concepts such as justice and generosity, and so on. Masculinity and femininity are not applicable in case of these words in true sense.
It seems that this is the reason why some languages divide nouns into three categories: masculine, feminine, and a third category which is called neuter. But not all human languages have these categories. Semitic languages including Arabic for example, divide nouns into two categories. So nouns in these languages are all either masculine or feminine.

So, when any matter/thing cannot be described as neuter, then a language may prefer to speak of something in the masculine, as that is easier and it is the basic principle; In case of using masculine gender there is no need to add any specific marker [such as an extra letter or syllable to indicate the feminine], as the feminine stems from the masculine.

The imam of the Arabic grammarians, Seebawayh (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It should be noted that the masculine form is easier for them to use than the feminine, because the masculine form is the original and is more established (in the language), and the feminine form is derived from the masculine. Do you not see that the Arabic word “ash-shay” (thing) is applicable to everything that we know about, regardless of whether it is masculine or feminine, and the word ash-shay’ is a masculine noun. (Kitaab Seebawayh, 1/22; see also 3/241)

Hence you will find that most of those who believe in God (Muslim and non-Muslim) refer to Him in the masculine, which is more befitting to Him, may He be glorified. This is something natural that does not need any research, examination or evidence. You will not find anyone, knowledgeable or ignorant, monotheist or polytheist, who does not refer to God, may He be exalted, as “He”.

So how about if we add to the above what Allah, may He be exalted, has said of Himself in His holy Book – and indeed in all the revealed Books – using that (masculine) pronoun.

Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is He Who has created the heavens and the earth in truth, and on the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) He will say: "Be!", - and it shall become. His Word is the truth. His will be the dominion on the Day when the trumpet will be blown…).” [al-An‘aam 6:73]

“It is He (Allah) Who is the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) in the heaven and the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) on the earth. And He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower.” [az-Zukhruf 43:84].

And there are many similar verses, too many to list here.

Moreover, Allah, may He be exalted, criticised the mushrikeen (polytheists) for their claim to worship Allah, the One, the Subduer, yet they worshipped female deities besides Him, and He criticised them for that and explained how hateful their deeds were. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They (all those who worship others than Allah) invoke nothing but female deities besides Him (Allah), and they invoke nothing but Shaitan (Satan), a persistent rebel!” [an-Nisa’ 4:117].

However, we would like to point out that Allah, may He be exalted, cannot be described as masculine or feminine in any true sense; rather that (use of the masculine pronoun) is necessary for the purpose of communication in human languages and what people need in communicating ideas about Allah. Everything that is either masculine or feminine is something that is created and Allah, may He be exalted, is the Creator of the masculine and feminine.

We hope that above mentioned description answered your question. Morever, if you feel more explanation please feel free to contact us.

Ma-as-salamah (May safety accompany you)