Title: What if a Person is Incapacitated From Using His Right Hand? Question: I have read your answer to the question of eating with left hand . I want to know what if a person can simply not use his right hand the way he uses his left hand (may be because his left hand has better motor skills than his right hand). As far as I can remember I have always used my left-hand in spite of my parents' best efforts in helping me the use of the right hand. Answer: I am not well versed with the fact that whether or not there are any biological reasons in a person's not being able to use his right hand for everyday chores, but the fact remains that if a person is really, somewhat, incapacitated from using his right hand, then he has no option, but to use his left hand. All directives of the Shari`ah are qualified with the exception that the person in question be free and able to carry out these directives. If a person is not free to act according to these directives or is not able to carry out these directives, then he is not even responsible to do so. The Qur'an says "Allah does not put such a burden on a soul, which it cannot bear" ( Al-Baqarah 2: 286). Thus, in view of this fact, it may be hoped that those who are, in any way, incapacitated from using their right hands for eating etc. shall, insha'Allah not be held accountable for using their left hands for such purposes. 26 th July 1999