Allah Has Two Hands, and Both Are Right?

From Abdullah ibn ‘Amr, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Indeed, the just will be with Allah upon pulpits of light, at the right side of the Most Merciful — and both of His hands are right. They are those who are just in their rulings, with their families, and with those under their care.” (Sahih Muslim)

Some people assume this hadith implies anthropomorphism — comparing Allah to His creation. But such an understanding contradicts the clear Qur’anic principle:

“There is nothing whatsoever like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” (Qur’an 42:11)

Because of this, it is impossible that the Prophet ﷺ intended these words to be understood as literal human-like body parts. The issue actually comes from misunderstanding Arabic rhetoric and symbolism.

Classical scholars explained that the phrase “both of His hands are right” is a symbolic expression referring to absolute perfection, goodness, honor, and generosity. In Arabic culture, the “right side” traditionally represents excellence and virtue, while the left side is often associated with deficiency or lesser status.

The famous scholar Imam Ibn Qutaybah explained:

“The statement ‘both of His hands are right’ symbolizes completeness and perfection. Arabs loved to associate the right side with goodness and honor, while the left side symbolized deficiency.”

In Islamic teachings, even daily etiquette reflects this symbolism. Muslims are encouraged to use the right hand for honorable actions such as eating, greeting, giving charity, writing, and entering the mosque. The right side represents dignity, blessing, and goodness.

Another narration says:

“Allah’s right hand is full and overflowing with generosity; nothing diminishes it day or night.” (Sahih narrations)

Therefore, the phrase “both His hands are right” should not be interpreted literally as physical limbs. Rather, it indicates that Allah’s actions are entirely perfect, just, generous, and free from any deficiency.

Likewise, references to Allah’s “hand” cannot be compared to created beings, because Allah Himself declares that nothing resembles Him. Any image the human mind imagines is still part of creation — and Allah is beyond all created forms and limitations.

This demonstrates why understanding hadith requires knowledge of language, symbolism, Arabic expression, and scholarly interpretation — not merely a rigid literal reading.

In summary: The phrase “both His hands are right” is understood by many scholars as a metaphor expressing divine perfection, power, mercy, justice, and generosity — not physical human-like hands.