And this is confirmed and clarified by the fact that creation, on Allah’s part, is attributed to His power, not to His hand. Thus, His power alone suffices to bring creation into existence, without His needing a hand or an instrument with which to act alongside His power.”

We reply:
We have already explained this and refuted the supposed need for such a figurative interpretation, since no such need exists. Moreover, Allah’s power is one and admits neither duality nor plurality. Since duality is inapplicable to it in meaning, it is likewise inapplicable in wording.

They say:
“The dual and plural forms may be used while a single entity is intended. Thus, ‘the world’ is a singular noun, yet what is intended is a plurality. Allah Most High also says:

‘You two, cast into Hell every stubborn disbeliever (24).’ [Qāf: 24]

Yet what is meant is a command to a single person to cast. The same applies here.”

We reply:
Affirming a single power for Allah Most High is a fundamental principle established by reports and transmitted evidence. It is a matter to which restriction and specification apply. Interpreting ‘hand’ as referring to power introduces doubt into a fundamental principle concerning which departure from the truth constitutes disbelief. Safeguarding this principle against any occasion for doubt therefore takes precedence over introducing a figurative interpretation here. This is sufficient reason to set aside such an interpretation.