Is it necessary to believe that the hand of God is a limb or not a limb, or should one remain silent about that?
A human hand is described as "jarihah" (that which earns/gains) because one earns with it. The human limbs are called "jawarih" because of the good deeds and sins they earn. The paws of dogs and talons of falcons are called "jawarih" because they hunt with them, and from this comes the verse: "And what you have taught of the hunting animals (jawarih)" [Al-Ma'idah 5:4], and His saying: "And He knows what you have earned (jarahtum) by day" [Al-An'am 6:60].
As for the Hand of Allah the Almighty, one must believe in it due to the clear evidence for it in the texts of revelation. However, it has not been established in revelation that it is called "jarihah." Rather, it has been established that Allah does what He wills and that He created Adam with His Hand. One must adhere to what has been established in revelation and not delve into matters for which there is no textual evidence, while firmly believing that Allah the Almighty does not resemble creation: "There is nothing like unto Him" [Al-Shura 42:11].
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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