by letters, making it less cumbersome than the dual form, which varies according to the accusative, nominative, and genitive cases. One would have to say, “Their two hearts (qalbāhumā) were fashioned,” “Allah turned their two hearts (qalbayhimā),” and “He made faith beautiful in their two hearts (qalbayhimā).” In customary usage, however, one says, “Their hearts (qulūbuhumā) have inclined,” “Allah turned their hearts (qulūbahumā),” and “He made faith beautiful in their hearts (qulūbihimā).” This is less cumbersome, easier, and more eloquent.

Thus, if one were to say, “from what Our two hands have made,” “We created with Our two hands,” and “We spread out with Our two hands,” this would differ from saying, “Our hands have made,” “We created with Our hands,” and “We spread out Our hands.” The latter wording is less cumbersome, easier, and more eloquent than the former. How much more so when, in these examples, the possessive pronoun is itself plural in form! If they avoid combining a dual noun with a dual possessive pronoun, using a plural noun instead, then it is all the more appropriate and fitting that they should avoid combining a dual noun with a plural possessive pronoun, likewise using a plural noun instead.

The eighth point is that the Quran explicitly uses the dual form of “hand” in His words:

“What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My two hands?”

He did not say, “to what was created