Surah Al-Mu’minun and a reflection on the word "the creators."
Peace be upon you, In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 14: Then We created the sperm drop into a clinging clot; then We created the clot into a lump; then We created the lump into bones; and We clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creation. So blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators. Rough translation: "Then We made the sperm drop into a clot, then We turned the clot into a lump, then We made the lump into bones and clothed the bones with flesh, then We developed it into another creation. So glory be to Allah, the Best of Creators." Question: Why is the term "creators" used in the plural form even though God is the One Creator? My simple opinion - without diving too deep into linguistic details - is that the use of the plural here expresses the glorification and exaltation of God Almighty. In classical Arabic, sometimes the plural form is used for grandeur, like we see in some names and attributes, and it doesn’t imply multiple gods but rather elevates the status and power. It can also be seen as a reference to the various aspects of His creation and the perfection of His craftsmanship at each stage of formation; giving, power, and creation manifest in multiple forms, so it's referred to in a plural manner to highlight the abundance of virtues and completeness. Also, relying on translations and vocabulary from the Quran may show differences in phrasing, but the doctrinal meaning remains firm: God is One, without a partner, and the phrase "the Best of Creators" does not contradict His oneness, rather, it glorifies and exalts Him. In conclusion: Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings, and I ask God to grant us the understanding of His Book and contemplation of it.