More Side-Splitting Humor From Muhammad

You've heard that Allah has two hands. You've also heard that both of Allah's hands are right hands (if not, see the video at the end). Perhaps you thought that this is where the inanity ends and things couldn't be any more bizarre. Not so fast. Read on...

The following passage of the Qur'an makes reference to Allah's "side".

(Lest) any self should say, "Oh, for (my) regret in that I indeed neglected my duty towards (literally: in the side of) Allah, and decidedly I was one of the scoffers." (S. 39:56, Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali translation)

A number of Muslims, such as Abu 'Abd Allah ibn Hamid, Qadi Abu Ya'la, Ibn al-Zaghuni, Ibn Khuzayma, et al., have taken this verse literally. Others have not, trumping up one excuse or another.

At least one Muslim was (apparently) so embarrassed by this verse that he changed it in his copy of the Qur'an (q.v. the Qur'an of Hafsa, which alters it to "in God's remembrance," as pointed out by Abdullah bin Hamid Ali in a footnote to Ibn al-Jawzi's The Attributes of God, p. 64.n33). 

The equivalent of this latter practice is found in most English translations of the Qur'an. Whereas other occurrences in the Qur'an of the underlying Arabic word are usually translated as "side" when not referring to Allah, the noun, side, when used for Allah in 39:56, is ordinarily turned into a preposition or verbal phrase or something else entirely. For example, here is Yusuf Ali's translation:

"Lest the soul should (then) say: 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked!'

Various justifications (i.e. excuses) for this are offered.

However one comes down on the above issue, there is little question that Allah's side is mentioned in the following hadith. In fact, the following hadith doesn't simply make reference to Allah's side; it makes reference to Allah's sides. And it even goes beyond that to tell us something else. But even this “something else” will hardly be surprising for those who are familiar with the rampant anthropomorphism found in the Qur'an and innumerable ahadith. For those who take into account the fact that Allah is said to have two right hands, while the following will not be surprising, I dare say most will not have thought of extrapolating to this extent.

The following hadith actually tells us that both of Allah's sides are....well, I will just let you see it for yourself:

It has been narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah b. 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Behold! the Dispensers of justice will be seated on the pulpits of light beside God, on the right side of the Merciful, Exalted and Glorious. Either side of the Being is the right side both being equally meritorious. (The Dispensers of justice are) those who do justice in their rules, in matters relating to their families and in all that they undertake to do. (Sahih Muslim, 20.4493; *)

As I have said before, given what the Islamic sources teach, the real reason Muslims should have a problem with the Word becoming flesh is not because it is impossible for God to become a man, but because their "god" already is a man-like being, and an odd looking one at that. 

If you missed it before, here is a video discussing another part of Allah’s anatomy.

All right, Muslims. This is your cue. The comments section is open, let the excuses begin.

Idolatry and Islamic Worship

We’ve all heard Muslims say that worshipping Jesus as the Word made flesh is inherently and inescapably idolatrous, particularly since Jesus in His humanity has a form and could be seen, handled, touched, etc., during His earthly sojourn, even as He can now be seen by angels and saints in glory and will be seen by all at the great assize. Paul Williams, a Western convert from Christianity to Islam, tells us that when he thought of himself as a Christian he actually would go to such an extent that he would “picture him in my mind’s eye receiving my praise and worship,” which is something he has now come to believe is idolatrous. He further tells us that idolatry is built into Christianity, “for the simple reason that worship and divine honour is rendered to Jesus as a human being, a creature of the Creator, without any attempt to focus on God alone.” One thing we see from this is that Paul has not made any further progress in his understanding of Christianity since the time of his apostasy, but it is hardly surprising that he would make no significant progress after his departure since he did not even make any great strides before that time.

What really is surprising in all of this is that Paul seems to be just as blissfully unaware of what the religion he currently holds to tells us on such matters as the one he left. According to Islam it is of course true that Allah has not become a human being. But it hardly follows from this that the Islamic sources teach that Allah has no form and cannot be seen. Indeed, the Allah of the Qur’an and Sunnah seems to have all the stock equipment possessed by any human creature, such as a form, face, eyes, hands, palms, side, shin, feet, etc., and all that without ever having become incarnate.

Since I have dealt with other aspects of this in other articles, here I will just point out some of the voluminous evidence for the fact that the Islamic sources teach that Allah will be seen by Muslims on the last day. Worse than this for Muslims like Paul, the Islamic sources even tell us that Muslims are to look forward to the day when they will see him, a day when he will appear to them in a way nearest to “the picture they had in their minds about him.”

According to the following verse of the Qur’an, unbelievers will be denied the pleasure of seeing Allah at the eschaton: “Verily, from their Lord, that Day, will they be veiled” (S. 5:15). It has naturally been inferred from this that Allah will not be so veiled to the Muslim faithful, an inference explicitly affirmed in another Qur’anic verse: “Some faces, that day, will beam (in brightness and beauty), looking at their Lord” (S. 75:22-23).

The same is taught many times over in various and sundry traditions from Muhammad, a “smattering” of which follow:

Narrated Qais: Jarir said, "We were with the Prophet and he looked at the moon--full-moon--and said, 'Certainly you will SEE your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble in SEEING Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business, etc.) a prayer before the sun-rise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset ('Asr), you must do so.' He then recited Allah's Statement: And celebrate the praises Of your Lord before The rising of the sun And before (its) setting." (50.39) Isma'il said, "Offer those prayers and do not miss them." (Bukhari, 1.10.529)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Some people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" He said, "Do you crowd and squeeze each other on looking at the sun when it is not hidden by clouds?" They replied, "No, Allah's Apostle." He said, "Do you crowd and squeeze each other on looking at the moon when it is full and not hidden by clouds?" They replied, No, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "So you will SEE Him (your Lord) on the Day of Resurrection. Similarly Allah will gather all the people and say, 'Whoever used to worship anything should follow that thing. 'So, he who used to worship the sun, will follow it, and he who used to worship the moon will follow it, and he who used to worship false deities will follow them; and then only this nation (i.e., Muslims) will remain, including their hypocrites. Allah will come to them in a shape other than they know and will say, 'I am your Lord.' They will say, 'We seek refuge with Allah from you. This is our place; (we will not follow you) till our Lord comes to us, and when our Lord comes to us, we will recognize Him.

Then Allah will come to then in a shape they know and will say, "I am your Lord.' They will say, '(No doubt) You are our Lord,' and they will follow Him. Then a bridge will be laid over the (Hell) Fire." Allah's Apostle added, "I will be the first to cross it. And the invocation of the Apostles on that Day, will be 'Allahukka Sallim, Sallim (O Allah, save us, save us!),' and over that bridge there will be hooks Similar to the thorns of As Sa'dan (a thorny tree). Didn't you see the thorns of As-Sa'dan?" The companions said, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle." He added, "So the hooks over that bridge will be like the thorns of As-Sa-dan except that their greatness in size is only known to Allah. These hooks will snatch the people according to their deeds. Some people will be ruined because of their evil deeds, and some will be cut into pieces and fall down in Hell, but will be saved afterwards, when Allah has finished the judgments among His slaves, and intends to take out of the Fire whoever He wishes to take out from among those who used to testify that none had the right to be worshipped but Allah.

We will order the angels to take them out and the angels will know them by the mark of the traces of prostration (on their foreheads) for Allah banned the fire to consume the traces of prostration on the body of Adam's son. So they will take them out, and by then they would have burnt (as coal), and then water, called Maul Hayat (water of life) will be poured on them, and they will spring out like a seed springs out on the bank of a rainwater stream, and there will remain one man who will be facing the (Hell) Fire and will say, 'O Lord! It's (Hell's) vapor has Poisoned and smoked me and its flame has burnt me; please turn my face away from the Fire.' He will keep on invoking Allah till Allah says, 'Perhaps, if I give you what you want), you will ask for another thing?' The man will say, 'No, by Your Power, I will not ask You for anything else.'

Then Allah will turn his face away from the Fire. The man will say after that, 'O Lord, bring me near the gate of Paradise.' Allah will say (to him), 'Didn't you promise not to ask for anything else? Woe to you, O son of Adam ! How treacherous you are!' The man will keep on invoking Allah till Allah will say, 'But if I give you that, you may ask me for something else.' The man will say, 'No, by Your Power. I will not ask for anything else.' He will give Allah his covenant and promise not to ask for anything else after that. So Allah will bring him near to the gate of Paradise, and when he sees what is in it, he will remain silent as long as Allah will, and then he will say, 'O Lord! Let me enter Paradise.' Allah will say, 'Didn't you promise that you would not ask Me for anything other than that? Woe to you, O son of Adam ! How treacherous you are!' On that, the man will say, 'O Lord! Do not make me the most wretched of Your creation,' and will keep on invoking Allah till Allah will smile and when Allah will smile because of him, then He will allow him to enter Paradise, and when he will enter Paradise, he will be addressed, 'Wish from so-and-so.' He will wish till all his wishes will be fulfilled, then Allah will say, All this (i.e. what you have wished for) and as much again therewith are for you.'"

Abu Huraira added: That man will be the last of the people of Paradise to enter (Paradise).

Narrated 'Ata (while Abu Huraira was narrating): Abu Said was sitting in the company of Abu Huraira and he did not deny anything of his narration till he reached his saying: "All this and as much again therewith are for you." Then Abu Sa'id said, "I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'This is for you and ten times as much.' " Abu Huraira said, "In my memory it is 'as much again therewith.' " (Sahih Bukhari, 8.76.577)

Narrated Jarir: We were sitting with the Prophet and he looked at the moon on the night of the full-moon and said, "You people will SEE your Lord as you see this full moon, and you will have no trouble in SEEING Him, so if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business, etc.) a prayer before sunrise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset (Asr) you must do so." (See Hadith No. 529, Vol. 1) (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.529)

Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "You will definitely SEE your Lord with your own eyes." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.530)

Narrated Jarir: Allah's Apostle came out to us on the night of the full moon and said, "You will SEE your Lord on the Day of Resurrection as you see this (full moon) and you will have no difficulty in SEEING Him." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93. 531)

Narrated 'Ata' bin Yazid Al-Laithi: On the authority of Abu Huraira: The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we SEE our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" The Prophet said, "Do you have any difficulty in seeing the moon on a full moon night?" They said, "No, O Allah's Apostle." He said, "Do you have any difficulty in seeing the sun when there are no clouds?" They said, "No, O Allah's Apostle." He said, "So you will SEE Him, like that. Allah will gather all the people on the Day of Resurrection, and say, 'Whoever worshipped something (in the world) should follow (that thing),' so, whoever worshipped the sun will follow the sun, and whoever worshiped the moon will follow the moon, and whoever used to worship certain (other false) deities, he will follow those deities. And there will remain only this nation with its good people (or its hypocrites). (The sub-narrator, Ibrahim is in doubt.) Allah will come to them and say, 'I am your Lord.' They will (deny Him and) say, 'We will stay here till our Lord comes, for when our Lord comes, we will recognize Him.' So Allah will come to them in His APPEARANCE which they know, and will say, 'I am your Lord.' They will say, 'You are our Lord,' so they will follow Him.

Then a bridge will be laid across Hell (Fire)' I and my followers will be the first ones to go across it and none will speak on that Day except the Apostles. And the invocation of the Apostles on that Day will be, 'O Allah, save! Save!' In Hell (or over The Bridge) there will be hooks like the thorns of As-Sa'dan (thorny plant). Have you seen As-Sa'dan? " They replied, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "So those hooks look like the thorns of As-Sa'dan, but none knows how big they are except Allah. Those hooks will snap the people away according to their deeds. Some of the people will stay in Hell (be destroyed) because of their (evil) deeds, and some will be cut or torn by the hooks (and fall into Hell) and some will be punished and then relieved. When Allah has finished His Judgments among the people, He will take whomever He will out of Hell through His Mercy. He will then order the angels to take out of the Fire all those who used to worship none but Allah from among those whom Allah wanted to be merciful to and those who testified (in the world) that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. The angels will recognize them in the Fire by the marks of prostration (on their foreheads), for the Fire will eat up all the human body except the mark caused by prostration as Allah has forbidden the Fire to eat the mark of prostration. They will come out of the (Hell) Fire, completely burnt and then the water of life will be poured over them and they will grow under it as does a seed that comes in the mud of the torrent.

Then Allah will finish the judgments among the people, and there will remain one man facing the (Hell) Fire and he will be the last person among the people of Hell to enter Paradise. He will say, 'O my Lord! Please turn my face away from the fire because its air has hurt me and its severe heat has burnt me.' So he will invoke Allah in the way Allah will wish him to invoke, and then Allah will say to him, 'If I grant you that, will you then ask for anything else?' He will reply, 'No, by Your Power, (Honor) I will not ask You for anything else.' He will give his Lord whatever promises and covenants Allah will demand.

So Allah will turn his face away from Hell (Fire). When he will face Paradise and will see it, he will remain quiet for as long as Allah will wish him to remain quiet, then he will say, 'O my Lord! Bring me near to the gate of Paradise.' Allah will say to him, 'Didn't you give your promises and covenants that you would never ask for anything more than what you had been given? Woe on you, O Adam's son! How treacherous you are!' He will say, 'O my lord,' and will keep on invoking Allah till He says to him, 'If I give what you are asking, will you then ask for anything else?' He will reply, 'No, by Your (Honor) Power, I will not ask for anything else.'

Then he will give covenants and promises to Allah and then Allah will bring him near to the gate of Paradise. When he stands at the gate of Paradise, Paradise will be opened and spread before him, and he will see its splendor and pleasures whereupon he will remain quiet as long as Allah will wish him to remain quiet, and then he will say, O my Lord! Admit me into Paradise.' Allah will say, 'Didn't you give your covenants and promises that you would not ask for anything more than what you had been given?' Allah will say, 'Woe on you, O Adam's son! How treacherous you are!'

The man will say, 'O my Lord! Do not make me the most miserable of Your creation,' and he will keep on invoking Allah till Allah will laugh because of his sayings, and when Allah will laugh because of him, He will say to him, 'Enter Paradise,' and when he will enter it, Allah will say to him, 'Wish for anything.' So he will ask his Lord, and he will wish for a great number of things, for Allah Himself will remind him to wish for certain things by saying, '(Wish for) so-and-so.' When there is nothing more to wish for, Allah will say, 'This is for you, and its equal (is for you) as well."

'Ata' bin Yazid added: Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri who was present with Abu Huraira, did not deny whatever the latter said, but when Abu Huraira said that Allah had said, "That is for you and its equal as well," Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri said, "And ten times as much, O Abu Huraira!" Abu Huraira said, "I do not remember, except his saying, 'That is for you and its equal as well.'" Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri then said, "I testify that I remember the Prophet saying, 'That is for you, and ten times as much.' ' Abu Huraira then added, "That man will be the last person of the people of Paradise to enter Paradise." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.532c)

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: We said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" He said, "Do you have any difficulty in seeing the sun and the moon when the sky is clear?" We said, "No." He said, "So you will have no difficulty in SEEING your Lord on that Day as you have no difficulty in seeing the sun and the moon (in a clear sky)." The Prophet then said, "Somebody will then announce, 'Let every nation follow what they used to worship.' So the companions of the cross will go with their cross, and the idolators (will go) with their idols, and the companions of every god (false deities) (will go) with their god, till there remain those who used to worship Allah, both the obedient ones and the mischievous ones, and some of the people of the Scripture. Then Hell will be presented to them as if it were a mirage. Then it will be said to the Jews, "What did you use to worship?' They will reply, 'We used to worship Ezra, the son of Allah.' It will be said to them, 'You are liars, for Allah has neither a wife nor a son. What do you want (now)?' They will reply, 'We want You to provide us with water.' Then it will be said to them 'Drink,' and they will fall down in Hell (instead). Then it will be said to the Christians, 'What did you use to worship?'

They will reply, 'We used to worship Messiah, the son of Allah.' It will be said, 'You are liars, for Allah has neither a wife nor a son. What: do you want (now)?' They will say, 'We want You to provide us with water.' It will be said to them, 'Drink,' and they will fall down in Hell (instead). When there remain only those who used to worship Allah (Alone), both the obedient ones and the mischievous ones, it will be said to them, 'What keeps you here when all the people have gone?' They will say, 'We parted with them (in the world) when we were in greater need of them than we are today, we heard the call of one proclaiming, 'Let every nation follow what they used to worship,' and now we are waiting for our Lord.' Then the Almighty will come to them in a shape other than the one which they saw the first time, and He will say, 'I am your Lord,' and they will say, 'You are not our Lord.' And none will speak: to Him then but the Prophets, and then it will be said to them, 'Do you know any sign by which you can recognize Him?' They will say. 'The Shin,' and so Allah will then uncover His Shin whereupon every believer will prostrate before Him and there will remain those who used to prostrate before Him just for showing off and for gaining good reputation. These people will try to prostrate but their backs will be rigid like one piece of a wood (and they will not be able to prostrate). Then the bridge will be laid across Hell." We, the companions of the Prophet said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the bridge?'

He said, "It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (Hooks like) a thorny seed that is wide at one side and narrow at the other and has thorns with bent ends. Such a thorny seed is found in Najd and is called As-Sa'dan. Some of the believers will cross the bridge as quickly as the wink of an eye, some others as quick as lightning, a strong wind, fast horses or she-camels. So some will be safe without any harm; some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell (Fire). The last person will cross by being dragged (over the bridge)." The Prophet said, "You (Muslims) cannot be more pressing in claiming from me a right that has been clearly proved to be yours than the believers in interceding with Almighty for their (Muslim) brothers on that Day, when they see themselves safe.

They will say, 'O Allah! (Save) our brothers (for they) used to pray with us, fast with us and also do good deeds with us.' Allah will say, 'Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find faith equal to the weight of one (gold) Dinar.' Allah will forbid the Fire to burn the faces of those sinners. They will go to them and find some of them in Hell (Fire) up to their feet, and some up to the middle of their legs. So they will take out those whom they will recognize and then they will return, and Allah will say (to them), 'Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find faith equal to the weight of one half Dinar.' They will take out whomever they will recognize and return, and then Allah will say, 'Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find faith equal to the weight of an atom (or a smallest ant), and so they will take out all those whom they will recognize." Abu Sa'id said: If you do not believe me then read the Holy Verse:--

'Surely! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a smallest ant) but if there is any good (done) He doubles it.' (4.40) The Prophet added, "Then the prophets and Angels and the believers will intercede, and (last of all) the Almighty (Allah) will say, 'Now remains My Intercession. He will then hold a handful of the Fire from which He will take out some people whose bodies have been burnt, and they will be thrown into a river at the entrance of Paradise, called the water of life.

They will grow on its banks, as a seed carried by the torrent grows. You have noticed how it grows beside a rock or beside a tree, and how the side facing the sun is usually green while the side facing the shade is white. Those people will come out (of the River of Life) like pearls, and they will have (golden) necklaces, and then they will enter Paradise whereupon the people of Paradise will say, 'These are the people emancipated by the Beneficent. He has admitted them into Paradise without them having done any good deeds and without sending forth any good (for themselves).' Then it will be said to them, 'For you is what you have seen and its equivalent as well.'" (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.532s)

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "The believers will be kept (waiting) on the Day of Resurrection so long that they will become worried and say, "Let us ask somebody to intercede far us with our Lord so that He may relieve us from our place.

Then they will go to Adam and say, 'You are Adam, the father of the people. Allah created you with His Own Hand and made you reside in His Paradise and ordered His angels to prostrate before you, and taught you the names of all things will you intercede for us with your Lord so that He may relieve us from this place of ours? Adam will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking.' He will mention his mistakes he had committed, i.e., his eating off the tree though he had been forbidden to do so. He will add, 'Go to Noah, the first prophet sent by Allah to the people of the Earth.' The people will go to Noah who will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking' He will mention his mistake which he had done, i.e., his asking his Lord without knowledge.' He will say (to them), 'Go to Abraham, Khalil Ar-Rahman.' They will go to Abraham who will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking. He would mention three words by which he told a lie, and say (to them). 'Go to Moses, a slave whom Allah gave the Torah and spoke to, directly and brought near Him, for conversation.'

They will go to Moses who will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking. He will mention his mistake he made, i.e., killing a person, and will say (to them), 'Go to Jesus, Allah's slave and His Apostle, and a soul created by Him and His Word.' (Be: And it was.) They will go to Jesus who will say, 'I am not fit for this undertaking but you'd better go to Muhammad the slave whose past and future sins have been forgiven by Allah.' So they will come to me, and I will ask my Lord's permission to enter His House and then I will be permitted. When I SEE Him I will fall down in prostration before Him, and He will leave me (in prostration) as long as He will, and then He will say, 'O Muhammad, lift up your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted, and ask (for anything) for it will be granted:' Then I will raise my head and glorify my Lord with certain praises which He has taught me. Allah will put a limit for me (to intercede for a certain type of people) I will take them out and make them enter Paradise." (Qatada said: I heard Anas saying that), the Prophet said, "I will go out and take them out of Hell (Fire) and let them enter Paradise, and then I will return and ask my Lord for permission to enter His House and I will be permitted.

When I will SEE Him I will fall down in prostration before Him and He will leave me in prostration as long as He will let me (in that state), and then He will say, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted, and ask, your request will be granted.' " The Prophet added, "So I will raise my head and glorify and praise Him as He has taught me. Then I will intercede and He will put a limit for me (to intercede for a certain type of people). I will take them out and let them enter Paradise." (Qatada added: I heard Anas saying that) the Prophet said, 'I will go out and take them out of Hell (Fire) and let them enter Paradise, and I will return for the third time and will ask my Lord for permission to enter His house, and I will be allowed to enter.

When I SEE Him, I will fall down in prostration before Him, and will remain in prostration as long as He will, and then He will say, 'Raise your head, O Muhammad, and speak, for you will be listened to, and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted, and ask, for your request will be granted.' So I will raise my head and praise Allah as He has taught me and then I will intercede and He will put a limit for me (to intercede for a certain type of people). I will take them out and let them enter Paradise." (Qatada said: I heard Anas saying that) the Prophet said, "So I will go out and take them out of Hell (Fire) and let them enter Paradise, till none will remain in the Fire except those whom Quran will imprison (i.e., those who are destined for eternal life in the fire)." The narrator then recited the Verse:-- "It may be that your Lord will raise you to a Station of Praise and Glory.' (17.79) The narrator added: This is the Station of Praise and Glory which Allah has promised to your Prophet. (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.532v)

Narrated 'Adi bin Hatim: Allah's Apostle said, "There will be none among you but his Lord will speak to him, and there will be no interpreter between them nor a screen to screen Him." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.535)

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Qais: The Prophet said, "(There will be) two Paradises of silver and all the utensils and whatever is therein (will be of silver); and two Paradises of gold, and its utensils and whatever therein (will be of gold), and there will be nothing to prevent the people from SEEING their Lord except the Cover of Majesty over His Face in the Paradise of Eden (eternal bliss)." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.536)

Suhaib reported the Apostle (may peace be upon him) saying: When those deserving of Paradise would enter Paradise, the Blessed and the Exalted would ask: Do you wish Me to give you anything more? They would say: Hast Thou not brightened our faces? Hast Thou not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire? He (the narrator) said: He (God) would lift the veil, and of things given to them nothing would he dearer to them than the SIGHT of their Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious. (Sahih Muslim, 1.347)

And all that brings us to what is likely to become Paul Williams favorite hadith:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: During the lifetime of the Prophet some people said, : O Allah's Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" The Prophet said, "Yes; do you have any difficulty in seeing the sun at midday when it is bright and there is no cloud in the sky?" They replied, "No." He said, "Do you have any difficulty in seeing the moon on a full moon night when it is bright and there is no cloud in the sky?" They replied, "No." The Prophet said, "(Similarly) you will have no difficulty in seeing ALLAH on the Day of Resurrection as you have no difficulty in seeing either of them. On the Day of Resurrection, a call-maker will announce, "Let every nation follow that which they used to worship." Then none of those who used to worship anything other than Allah like idols and other deities but will fall in Hell (Fire), till there will remain none but those who used to worship Allah, both those who were obedient (i.e. good) and those who were disobedient (i.e. bad) and the remaining party of the people of the Scripture. Then the Jews will be called upon and it will be said to them, 'Who do you use to worship?' They will say, 'We used to worship Ezra, the son of Allah.' It will be said to them, 'You are liars, for Allah has never taken anyone as a wife or a son. What do you want now?' They will say, 'O our Lord! We are thirsty, so give us something to drink.' They will be directed and addressed thus, 'Will you drink,' whereupon they will be gathered unto Hell (Fire) which will look like a mirage whose different sides will be destroying each other. Then they will fall into the Fire. Afterwards the Christians will be called upon and it will be said to them, 'Who do you use to worship?' They will say, 'We used to worship Jesus, the son of Allah.' It will be said to them, 'You are liars, for Allah has never taken anyone as a wife or a son,' Then it will be said to them, 'What do you want?' They will say what the former people have said. Then, when there remain (in the gathering) none but those who used to worship Allah (Alone, the real Lord of the Worlds) whether they were obedient or disobedient. Then (Allah) the Lord of the worlds will come to them in a shape nearest to the picture they had in their minds about Him. It will be said, 'What are you waiting for?' Every nation have followed what they used to worship.' They will reply, 'We left the people in the world when we were in great need of them and we did not take them as friends. Now we are waiting for our Lord Whom we used to worship.' Allah will say, 'I am your Lord.' They will say twice or thrice, 'We do not worship any besides Allah.' " (Bukhari, 6.60.105)

Since Paul now believes it was idolatrous for him during the time he thought of himself as a Christian to imagine Jesus in his mind, we can be sure that he will now forsake Islam since it expects him to have a mental picture of Allah in order to be able to recognize him when he sees him on the final day. If you think I am being too optimistic, feel free to chalk this up to a “vain imagination” on my part. 

For further reading, see the following articles:

Allah the Man-God
Allah's Hands
Soul Man
Surah 9:128 and Bassam's Giant Problem
Adam - Allah's Twin Partner
Allah As An Exalted Shakhs
Allah - More Human Than Divine
The Annihilation of Allah
Revisiting the Face of Allah
Allah - An Immaterial Entity or An Invisible Man?

See also the following ABN broadcast:

Do Muslims Worship Allah's Body?

Muhammad's Man-God

“It's their vain desires in believing in a Man-God, which I find absolutely degrading to the Supreme Creator of all things.” – Kim the Muslimah

“I saw my Lord, the Exalted and Glorious in the most beautiful FORM…. He then placed HIS PALM between my shoulders and I felt its coldness in my chest…” – Kim’s prophet

According to the Islamic sources Allah is a “thing” and a “person”; he has a “soul” and a “spirit”; he has a “likeness,” “shape,” and “form”; he has a “face,” “eyes,” and “ears”; he has “arms” and “elbows”; he has “hands,” “palms,” “fingers” and “fingertips”; he has a “chest,” “waist,” and “side”; he has a “shin” and “feet”; and he has dimensions, mass, and weight. This is why Allah can be said to wear a veil, sit on a throne, live in a house, look out over a watchtower, ascend and descend, run, stroke a person’s back, shake hands, grasp things, etc. Furthermore, although it is not characteristic for him to do so, Allah can even converse directly with people, i.e. without the mediation of an angelic messenger, and he has even directly spoken in this life to a select few, was seen by Muhammad in this world and also on the occasion of his ascent, and will be seen by all Muslims at the great assize, antecedent to which event Muslims are even expected to have a mental picture of Allah by which they can identify him on that day. And for all that, Muslims have the audacity to malign Christians as those who believe in a “man-god”.

The body of evidence for the above statements is massive and the subject of a larger, forthcoming project to be published on Answering Islam. Hence, to prove the point that Allah has bodily limbs and anatomical features, I will limit my focus in this post to what the Islamic sources say about Allah’s hands.

To begin with, the following passage that speaks of Allah’s hand could simply be a figure of speech referring to Allah’s power and control,

Say: "O Allah. Lord of Power (And Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In THY HAND is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power. (S. 3:26; so likewise 3:73, 5:64, 23:88, 36:71, 83, 39:67, 48:10, 49:1, 57:29, 67:1)

just as “hand” can also be used figuratively for human beings, as in the following passage,

Make not thy hand tied (like a niggard's) to thy neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that thou become blameworthy and destitute. (S. 17:29; cf. 40:29, 41:26, 68:47)

But just like the figurative use of hands for human beings does not rule out that humans have hands or that the word hands can be predicated of human beings in a literal sense, as the Qur’an itself testifies in other verses,

O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful. (S. 5:6, Yusuf Ali)

so likewise, just because the word “hand” or “hands” may be used in some passages for Allah in a figurative sense does not mean they are never used for him in a literal sense. In this vein, the following statement about Allah’s hands clearly inclines toward a literal meaning:

(Allah) said: "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one [i.e. Adam] whom I have created with MY HANDS? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high (and mighty) ones?" (S. 38:75)

The fact that Adam was created with Allah’s hands is given as a reason in the above passage why Satan’s refusal to worship Adam as commanded is met with incredulity by Allah. But if this is to be taken in a metaphorical sense, i.e. when it says Adam was made with Allah’s hands it means that he was created by Allah’s power, then it would imply that Satan and the other angels had the same reason (or that Allah had the same reason to command the angels) to bow down to anything and everything that they had for bowing down to Adam (or Allah had for commanding them to prostrate to Adam), for according to the Qur’an everything was made by Allah’s hands in a metaphorical sense.

This is made all the more clear from what is said in the following hadith about Adam’s creation, which is abundantly attested:

Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "The believers will be assembled on the Day of Resurrection and they will say, 'Let us look for someone to intercede for us with our Lord so that He may relieve us from this place of ours.' So they will go to Adam and say, 'You are Adam, the father of mankind, and Allah created you with HIS OWN HANDS and ordered the Angels to prostrate before you, and He taught you the names of all things; so please intercede for us with our Lord so that He may relieve us.' Adam will say, to them, 'I am not fit for that,' and then he will mention to them his mistake which he has committed.' " (Bukhari, 9:93:607; see also 4:55:556, 6:60:3, 6:60:236, 8:76:570, 9:93:507, 9:93:532; Muslim, 1:373, 1:378, 33:6411)

This same idea of the importance and uniqueness and high privilege of Adam based on being made by Allah's own hands is also invoked by Moses as grounds for finding aught with Adam:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There was an argument between Adam and Moses (peace be upon both of them) in the presence of their Lord. Adam got the better of Moses. Moses said: Are you that Adam whom Allah created with HIS HAND and breathed into him His sprit, and commanded angels to fall in prostration before him and He made you live in Paradise with comfort and ease. Then you caused the people to get down to the earth because of your lapse. Adam said: Are you that Moses whom Allah selected for His Messengership and for His conversation with him and conferred upon you the tablets, in which everything was clearly explained and granted you the audience in order to have confidential talk with you. What is your opinion, how long was the Torah written before I was created? Moses said: Forty years before. Adam said: Did you not see these words: Adam committed an error and he was enticed to (do so). He (Moses) said: Yes. Whereupon, he (Adam) said: Do you then blame me for an act which Allah had ordained for me forty years before He created me? Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: This is how Adam got the better of Moses. (Muslim, 33.6411)

Another version of this tradition tells us that Allah wrote the Torah for Moses with his hand.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father who disappointed us and turned us out of Paradise.' Then Adam said to him, 'O Moses! Allah favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He wrote (the Torah) for you with HIS OWN HAND. Do you blame me for action which Allah had written in my fate forty years before my creation?' So Adam confuted Moses, Adam confuted Moses," the Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times. (Bukhari, 77.611)

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) as saying: There was an argument between Adam and Moses. Moses said to Adam: You are our father. You did us harm and caused us to get out of Paradise. Adam said to him: You are Moses. Allah selected you (for direct conversation with you) and wrote with HIS OWN HAND the Book (Torah) for you. Despite this you blame me for an act which Allah had ordained for me forty years before He created me. Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said:. This is how Adam came the better of Moses and Adam came the better of Moses. (Muslim, 33.6409)

It is hardly surprising then to read the following in Kitab al-Sunna:

"Allah wrote the Torah for Moses with His hand while leaning back on a rock, on tablets of pearl, and the screech of the quill could be heard. There was no veil between Him and him," (Vol. 1, p. 294)

Putting these narrations together, it would appear that Adam makes this retort to show the greatness of Moses’ error in blaming him for getting everyone kicked out of paradise. That is, Moses argued that Adam was uniquely created with Allah’s own hands, which points up the greatness of his sin, but, as Adam observes, Moses was uniquely given a book written with Allah’s own hand, which was a transcription of what Allah decreed before ever creating Adam, a fact that Moses should have realized before imputing guilt to Adam.

Summarizing the above, Adam, the father of mankind, is distinguished from others by the fact that he was created with Allah’s own hands, a fact that will cause people on the day of resurrection to seek him out as a potential intercessor with Allah, and which served as the grounds for Moses to indict him for committing a great sin, all of which must, therefore, indicate that something different is in view when it speaks of Adam being made with Allah’s hands than the metaphorical sense in which all things in general are said to be the work of Allah’s hands.

In fact, certain traditions prove this even further, limiting the number of things that were created directly by Allah’s hand or hands to three or four. If the above wasn’t enough, this conclusively demonstrates that the sense in which “hands” are being attributed to Allah in the account of the creation of Adam and in the hadith of intercession and the argument between Moses and Adam is not a mere metaphor as it may be in some other cases:

--------Quote-------
On the authority of al Haarith ibn Nawfal:
“Allaah created three things with HIS HAND:

1. He created Adam with HIS HAND.

2. He wrote the Tawraah with HIS HAND and

3. He planted Firdaus with HIS HAND.”

[Collected by ad Daylami, It was also collected by ad Darqutni in ‘As Sifaat’ P. 26 #28 and Abu Ash Shaikh in ‘Al ‘Udhmah’: 5/1555]

In another Hadeeth narrated by ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr:

“Indeed Allah - the Mighty and Majestic - created three things with HIS HAND; He created Adam with HIS HAND, He wrote the Torah with HIS HAND and He planted Firdaws with HIS HAND.”

[Collected by ad Darqutni in ‘As Sifaat’ P.45 and al Bayhaqi in ‘Al Asma was Sifat’: P. 403 on the authority of al Harith ibn Nawfal.]

It was authentically reported that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar said:

“Allaah created four things with HIS HAND;

1. The Throne

2. The Pen

3. Aadam and

4. The paradise of ‘Adn.

He then said to the rest of the creation ‘Kun’ [Be] and it was.”

Adh Dhahabi stated in ‘Al ‘Uluw’: ‘It’s chain is good.’

Al Albaani stated in ‘Mukhtasar al ‘Uluw’ P.105: ‘The chain is authentic according to the conditions of Muslim.’

On the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn al Haarith who said; the Messenger of Allaah - صلى الله عليه و سلم - said:

“Allah created three things with HIS HAND; He created Adam with HIS HAND, He wrote the Torah with HIS HAND and He planted Firdaws with HIS HAND. He then said; “By my Glory, neither a drunkard nor a ‘Dayyooth’ will live in it”

The companions asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, we know the drunkard, but who is the Dayyooth?’
He responded: “One who consents to evil in his family.”^[1]

[Collected by al Khira-ity in Masaawi al Akhlaaq: P.62, #426]

On the authority of ibn ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him:

“Allah created four things with HIS HAND: The throne, the paradise of ‘Adn, Adam and the Pen

He veiled the creation from Himself with four: Fire, then darkness, then light, then darkness.”

Al Haakim stated: ‘The chain is authentic according to the conditions of both Bukhari and Muslim but they did not collect them [in their Saheehs].’

[Mukhtasar al ‘Uluw by al Albaani]

Ibnul Qayyim stated:

It has been authentically reported by both al Bukhari and Muslim in their Saheehs, that the Prophet - صلى الله عليه و سلم - said in the Hadeeth of the intercession: it will be said to Musa: ‘…You are Musa that Allah has specified with His [direct] Speech [to you] and wrote the Tablets for you with HIS HAND…’

[Bayaan Talbees al Jahmiyyah 1/153]

Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

The people of knowledge stated that Allah did not create anything with HIS HAND except Adam, the Paradise of ‘Adn – for indeed he created it with His Hand, and He wrote the Torah with His Hand. These are three things that were by the HAND of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic, as for [those of mankind] other than Adam , they were created by the word ‘Kun’ (be).

[Tafseer Surat al Kahf: P.89]

(The above is taken from the following source; emphasis mine)

-------End Quote-------

Other hadiths of interest tell us that when Allah made Adam with his own hands he stroked or passed his right hand over Adam’s back in order to bring forth Adam’s offspring, which means that Allah was the first masseuse and that Adam received the first (and second) back message in history:

Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab: Muslim ibn Yasar al-Juhani said: When Umar ibn al-Khattab was asked about the verse "When your Lord took their offspring from the backs of the children of adam" - al-Qa'nabi recited the verse--he said: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) say when he was questioned about it: Allah created adam, then passed HIS RIGHT HAND over his back, and brought forth from it his offspring, saying: I have these for Paradise and these will do the deeds of those who go to Paradise. He then passed HIS HAND over his back and brought forth from it his offspring, saying: I have created these for Hell, and they will do the deeds of those who go to Hell. A man asked: What is the good of doing anything, Apostle of Allah? The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: When Allah creates a servant for Paradise, He employs him in doing the deeds of those who will go to Paradise, so that his final action before death is one of the deeds of those who go to Paradise, for which He will bring him into Paradise. But when He creates a servant for Hell, He employs him in doing the deeds of those who will go to Hell, so that his final action before death is one of the deeds of those who go to Hell, for which He will bring him into Hell. (Sunan AbuDawud, 40.4686)

Yahya related to me from Malik from Zayd ibn Abi Unaysa that Abd al-Hamid ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn Zayd ibn al-Khattab informed him from Muslim ibn Yasar al-Juhani that Umar ibn al-Khattab was asked about this ayat - "When your Lord took their progeny from the Banu adam from their backs and made them testify against themselves. 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we bear witness' Lest you should say on the Day of Rising, 'We were heedless of that.'" (Sura 7 ayat 172) Umar ibn al-Khattab said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, being asked about it. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, created adam. Then He stroked his back with HIS RIGHT HAND, and progeny issued from it. He said, "I created these for the Garden and they will act with the behaviour of the people of the Garden." Then He stroked his back again and brought forth progeny from him. He said, "I created these for the Fire and they will act with the behaviour of the people of the Fire." 'A man said, 'Messenger of Allah! Then of what value are deeds?' The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, answered, 'When Allah creates a slave for the Garden, he makes him use the behaviour of the people of the Garden, so that he dies on one of the actions of the people of the Garden and by it He brings him into the Garden. When He creates a slave for the Fire, He makes him use the behaviour of the people of the Fire, so that he dies on one of the actions of the people of the Fire, and by it, He brings him into the Fire.'" (Malik’s Muwatta, 46.1.2)

Not to be outdone by Adam who received a divine back rub, Muhammad claims that Allah touched his chest:

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said: My Lord came to me in the best FORM, whilst I was asleep, and said: O Muhammad, do you know what the angelic assembly is disputing about? I said: I do not! Then Allah placed HIS HAND between my shoulders until I felt Its coolness in my chest and I became aware of what was happening in Heaven and on earth... (Tirmidhi, pp. 82-83)

Other narrations, providing something of a synoptic perspective on this event, even mention Allah’s palm(s) and fingers:

Narrated AbdurRahman ibn A'ish: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: I saw my Lord, the Exalted and Glorious in the most beautiful form. He said: What do the Angels in the presence of Allah contend about? I said: Thou art the most aware of it. He then placed HIS PALM between my shoulders and I felt its coldness in my chest and I came to know what was in the Heavens and the Earth. He recited: 'Thus did we show Ibrahim the kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth and it was so that he might have certainty.' (6:75) Darimi reported it in a mursal form and Tirmidhi also reported. (Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 237- ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Narrated Mu'adh ibn Jabal: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was detained one morning from observing the dawn prayer (in congregation) along with us till the sun had almost appeared on the horizon. He then came out hurriedly and Iqamah for prayer was observed and he conducted it (prayer) in brief form. When he had concluded the prayer by saying As-salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullah, he called out to us saying: Remain in your places as you were. Then turning to us he said: I am going to tell you what detained me from you (on account of which I could not join you in the prayer) in the morning. I got up in the night and performed ablution and observed the prayer as had been ordained for me. I dozed in my prayer till I was overcome by (sleep) and lo, I found myself in the presence of my Lord, the Blessed and the Glorious, in the best FORM. He said: Muhammad! I said: At Thy service, my Lord. He said: What these highest angels contend about? I said: I do not know. He repeated it thrice. He said: Then I saw Him put HIS PALMS between my shoulder blades till I felt the coldness of HIS FINGERS between the two sides of my chest. Then everything was illuminated for me and I could recognize everything. He said: Muhammad! I said: At Thy service, my Lord. He said: What do these high angels contend about? I said: In regard to expiations. He said: What are these? I said: Going on foot to join congregational prayers, sitting in the mosques after the prayers, performing ablution well despite difficulties. He again said: Then what do they contend? I said: In regard to the ranks. He said: What are these? I said: Providing of food, speaking gently, observing the prayer when the people are asleep. He again said to me: Beg (Your Lord) and say: O Allah, I beg of Thee (power) to do good deeds, and abandon abominable deeds, to love the poor, that Thou forgive me and show mercy to me and when Thou intendst to put people to trial Thou causes me to die unblemished and I beg of Thee Thy love and the love of one who loves Thee and the love for the deed which brings me near to Thy love. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: It is a truth, so learn it and teach it. Transmitted by Ahmad, Tirmidhi who said: This is a hasan sahih hadith and I asked Muhammad ibn Isma'il about this hadith and he said: It is a sahih hadith. (Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 245; ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Hence, it should hardly come as a surprise to learn that Allah will even shake hands with people on the day of judgment:

'Ubayy b. Ka'b (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The first person with whom ALLAH will SHAKE HANDS (on the Day of Judgment), will be 'Umar; and he will be the first man to whom Allah will pay salutation (say: Assalamu 'alaika) and he will be the first man whom He will HOLD with HIS HAND and make him enter the Paradise." (Online Source)

One can only imagine the interesting four way argument all of this could generate between Adam (who was created with Allah’s own hands), Moses (who received the book written with Allah’s own hand), Muhammad (whose chest Allah touched) and Umar (who was promised to be the first with whom Allah will shake hands).

Having said before that some statements about Allah’s hands could well have been (and probably were) intended figuratively by Muhammad in those specific instances, it should be stated that some Muslims not only have held and do hold that Allah literally has hands on the basis of the verses and hadith narrations that I have argued were intended literally, such as Surah 38:75 and the narrations on seeking the intercession of Adam since he was made with Allah’s hands, but that even those verses and narrations that could be meant figuratively are also to be accepted as proof that Allah literally has hands. Here is how one Muslim frames the argument:

when we say the clausal phrase “the kingdom is in the hand of Phillip” the most obviously understood meaning implied here is that the kingdom is under his dominion and rule, and not in the literal thing called hand with five fingers etc. However, the grammarians o[f] the religion pointed out that in order for an attributed to be attributed to an individual like this expression above, then the prerequisite of using such an expression is that the subject must be among the class or genre of those things that have an actual hand. In other words, for simplicity, we coul not say “the food is in the hand of the table” because the subject being discussed i.e. the table, is not among the genre or things which actually have hands.

Likewise when Allah says 

“Nay, both of My Hands are outstretched” the obvious meaning hinted in this ayaah is that His generaosity knows no limit and it is not pointing to the literal thing of a Hand. However, it is becaue Allah has Hands which qualifies Allah to be the subject of attributed this ayaah for Him. WHY? because He is among the class or thing which actually has Hands. In other words, if Allah did not have hands, then the person who subscribed to this viewpointm from a grammtical level is attributing illogic to Allah because Allah attributed this ayaah to Himself without possessing the Attribute of Hands. 

However, in other ayaa, He says 

“Why have you not bowed down to one whom I have created with My Own Hands”

The obvious meaning here does not leav[e] us with the obvious meaning of the first, because in this ayaah, the bounties of Allah is not what is being implied here, but the actual merit of Adam because of the fact that Adam was created by Allah’s literal Hands. SO here, Hands means Hands, it is just that we have no grasp, or understanding of what these Hands are. This is the reality of knowing the meaning and not knowing the nature. (Ash’ari Contentions: On Tafweedh and Allah’s Hand)

Note that according to the above, while some verses are using "hand(s)" figuratively, Surah 38:75 is not. In addition, even those verses where "hand(s)" is being used figuratively, the "grammarians of the religion" maintain that such words can only be used figuratively for something that has these things literally. On the possibility of the soundness of this claim, and at least in the case of such Muslims who take this approach, many other verses and narrations from the Qur’an and Sunnah would also apply, such as the following:

"And believe no one unless he follows your religion." Say: "True guidance is the Guidance of God: (Fear ye) Lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) Like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those (Receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?" Say: "All bounties are in the HAND of God: He granteth them to whom He pleaseth: And God careth for all, and He knoweth all things." S. 3:73

The Jews say: "God's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both HIS HANDS are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from God increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, God doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And God loveth not those who do mischief. S. 5:64

Say: "Who is it in whose HANDS is the governance of all things, - who protects (all), but is not protected (of any)? (say) if ye know." S. 23:88

See they not that it is We Who have created for them - among the things which OUR HANDS have fashioned - cattle, which are under their dominion? – S. 36:71

So glory to HIM in WHOSE HANDS is the dominion of all things: and to Him will ye be all brought back. S. 36:83

No just estimate have they made of God, such as is due to Him: On the Day of Judgment the whole of the earth will be but HIS HANDFUL, and the heavens will be rolled up in HIS RIGHT HAND: Glory to Him! High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him! S. 39:67

Verily those who plight their fealty to thee do no less than plight their fealty to God: the HAND of God is over their hands: then any one who violates his oath, does so to the harm of his own soul, and any one who fulfils what he has covenanted with God, - God will soon grant him a great Reward. S. 48:10

That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of God, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in HIS HAND, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For God is the Lord of Grace abounding. S. 57:29

Blessed be He in Whose HANDS is Dominion; and He over all things hath Power; - S. 67:1

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, ‘The offspring of Adam abuse the Dahr (Time), and I am the Dahr; in MY HANDS are the night and the day!’" (Sahih al-Bukhari, 8.73.200) 

Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet said, ‘Allah said: "The son of Adam hurts Me by abusing Time, for I am Time; in MY HANDS are all things and I cause the revolution of night and day."’" (See Hadith No. 351, Vol. 6) (Bukhari, 9.93.583) 

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "On the Day of Resurrection Allah will hold the whole earth and fold the heaven with HIS RIGHT HAND and say, 'I am the King: where are the kings of the earth?" ' (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.479) 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah's Hand is full, and (its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending, day and night." He also said, "Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the Earth? Yet all that has not decreased what is in HIS HAND." He also said, "His Throne is over the water and in HIS OTHER HAND is the balance (of Justice) and He raises and lowers (whomever He will)." (See Hadith No. 206, Vol. 6) (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.508) 

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will grasp the whole Earth by HIS HAND, and all the Heavens in HIS RIGHT, and then He will say, 'I am the King." Abu Huraira said, "Allah's Apostle said," Allah will GRASP the Earth...' " (Sahih Bukhari,9.93.509) 

Narrated 'Abdullah: A Jew came to the Prophet and said, "O Muhammad! Allah will hold the heavens on a FINGER, and the mountains on a FINGER, and the trees on a FINGER, and all the creation on a FINGER, and then He will say, 'I am the King.' " On that Allah's Apostle smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and then recited:-- 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to him....(39.67) 'Abdullah added: Allah's Apostle smiled (at the Jew's statement) expressing his wonder and believe [sic?] in what was said. (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.510) 

Narrated 'Abdullah: A man from the people of the scripture came to the Prophet and said, "O Abal-Qasim! Allah will hold the Heavens upon a FINGER, and the Earth on a FINGERand the land on a FINGER, and all the creation on a FINGER, and will say, 'I am the King! I am the King!' " I saw the Prophet (after hearing that), smiling till his premolar teeth became visible, and he then recited: -- 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to him... (39.67) (Sahih Bukhar, 9.93.511) 

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The RIGHT (HAND) of Allah Is full, and (Its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending night and day. Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the Earth? Yet all that has not decreased what is in HIS RIGHT HAND. His Throne is over the water and in His other Hand is the Bounty or the Power to bring about death, and He raises some people and brings others down." (See Hadith No. 508) (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.515) 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody gives in charity something equal to a date from his honestly earned money ----for nothing ascends to Allah except good---- then Allah will take it in HIS RIGHT (HAND) and bring it up for its owner as anyone of you brings up a baby horse, till it becomes like a mountain." Abu Huraira said: The Prophet. said, "Nothing ascends to Allah except good." (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.525y)

It is reported on the authority of al-Mughira b. Shu'ba that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Moses asked his Lord: Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise is the lowest to rank? He (Allah) said: The person who would be admitted into Paradise last of all among those deserving of Paradise who are admitted to it. I would be said to him: Enter Paradise. He would say: O my Lord! how (should I enter) while the people have settled in their apartments and taken the shares (portions)? It would be said to him: Would you be pleased if there be for you like the kingdom of a king amongst the kings of the world? He would say: I am pleased my Lord. He (Allah) would say: For you is that, and like that, and like that, and like that, and that. He would say at the fifth (point): I am well pleased. My Lord. He (Allah) would say: It is for you and, ten times like it, and for you is what your self desires and your eye enjoys. He would say: I am well pleased, my Lord. He (Moses) said: (Which is) the highest of their (inhabitants of Paradise) ranks? He (Allah) said: They are those whom I choose. I establish their honour with MY OWN HAND and then set a seal over it (and they would be blessed with Bounties) which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human mind has perceived: and this is substantiated by the Book of Allah, Exalted and Great:" So no soul knows what delight of the eye is hidden for them; a reward for what they did" (xxxii. 17). (Muslim, 1.363)

Narrated 'Abdullah: A Jew came to the Prophet and said, "O Muhammad! Allah will HOLD the heavens on a FINGER, and the mountains on a FINGER, and the trees on a Finger, and all the creation on a FINGER, and then He will say, 'I am the King.' "On that Allah's Apostle smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and then recited:-- 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to him....(39.67) 'Abdullah added: Allah's Apostle smiled (at the Jew's statement) expressing his wonder and believe in what was said. (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.510) 

Narrated 'Abdullah: A man from the people of the scripture came to the Prophet and said, "O Abal-Qasim! Allah will HOLD the heavens on a FINGER, and the mountains on a FINGER, and the trees on a Finger, and all the creation on a FINGER, and will say, 'I am the King! I am the King!' " I saw the Prophet (after hearing that), smiling till his premolar teeth became visible, and he then recited: -- 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to him... (39.67) (Sahih Bukhari, 9.93.511)

All of this means that Muslims are far from being in anything even remotely close to an enviable position when they mischaracterize and ridicule the Christian doctrine of the incarnation as belief in a man-god. After all, there is a big difference between saying that one of the persons of the Godhead took on a human nature at a point in time in addition to his eternal, unchanging divine nature, such that it can be said that the Divine Word or Son, not by virtue of His eternal divinity but by virtue of assuming a human nature, literally has a face, hands, feet, etc., and saying that God qua God, that is, God as He is in Himself and apart from a voluntary act of condescension in taking a human nature upon Himself, actually has anatomical features like those possessed by human creatures. The same principle applies to the incarnation-anticipating theophanies of the Old Testament and to any and all other acts of divine self-humbling whereby the Ineffable, Inscrutable, Incomprehensible God manifests Himself and makes Himself known to His creatures, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth.

In conclusion, all Christians should find what is taught in the Islamic sources about Allah being a man-god “absolutely degrading to the Supreme Creator of all things.” God is far above the attributes they associate with Him.