Does the noble verse: "Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it" indicate that the Qur'an has two actual hands in an unknown manner?
The Qur'an was understood in a clear Arabic tongue, and to comprehend it, one must know the methods of the Arabs in their speech, the meanings of their vocabulary, and the connotations of their styles. The Qur'an was revealed in the language of the Arabs and according to what they intended, as mentioned by Sibawayh. Al-Tabari and Al-Shatibi emphasized this meaning: understanding the Qur'an must follow the path of Arabic discourse in establishing its meanings, not according to what the intellect dictates, otherwise corruption will ensue.
As for the Almighty's saying describing the Qur'an: (Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it), it has been interpreted that the Qur'an is impregnable and preserved from any distortion or falsehood, neither from previous scriptures nor from what comes after it. It is preserved in its revelation, its words, and its meanings. This does not mean that the Qur'an has a "hand" or a "foot," as this is an understanding alien to the Arabic language, for the Qur'an is an attribute of Allah, and an attribute is not described in that way. Similarly, the expression "before the Hour" does not mean that the Hour has a real hand, but rather it is a metaphorical expression meaning "before it."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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