When the Quran Says “They,” It Might Also Mean “Me”

May 17, 2025 6 Views

When we read the Quran, we often come across the word “they.”

“They do not believe.”

“They mock.”

“They are in darkness.”

“They will face punishment.”

These verses seem to speak of people far from us—those who rejected truth in the past, who disobeyed prophets, who lived without guidance. And so, we draw a line in our minds: This is about them, not me.

But what if Allah wants us to ask a different question?

“Am I one of them?”

The Quran is not merely a historical record. It is a reminder, a guide, a mirror for every believer. If we read its warnings only as stories about others, we may miss the very reminders meant for our hearts.

For instance, when we read:

“They say they believe, but their hearts do not.”

Do we pause and ask: Have I ever said I believe, but failed to act with true sincerity?

Or when we read:

“They spread corruption in the land, yet think they do good.”

Do we reflect: Have I ever harmed others without realizing it, thinking I was doing the right thing?

The word “they” in the Quran is not there to comfort us—it is there to awaken us. Each verse that warns or criticizes might just be holding up a mirror. And if we never look into that mirror, how can we correct our course?

Some might say this approach is too heavy. But sincere believers are not afraid of reflection. We know Allah is the Most Merciful, and His reminders are gifts to help us return.

Sometimes, we may feel confident because we pray, fast, or wear our faith visibly. But faith is more than appearance—it’s a constant inner check. The Quran helps us maintain that check. It realigns us when we drift.

So next time you read the Quran and come across the word “they,” try a different reading. Make it personal:

“They are ungrateful.” → Have I taken Allah’s blessings for granted today?

“They turned away.” → Have I ignored guidance when I knew better?

“They are lost in darkness.” → Is there a part of my life I’m avoiding because it needs change?

Reading the Quran this way isn’t meant to burden you—it’s meant to wake you up gently. Because we forget, and Allah reminds. Because we stray, and Allah calls us back.

Don’t treat “they” as characters in a story.

“They” might be within you.

“They” might have been you.

And maybe Allah is using this verse today to invite you back.

May we be among those who, when the Quran says “they,” ask sincerely: Could this be me?

And may that question lead us closer to the path of truth.