THE
HOLY QURAN – PART 6
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ETIQUETTES OF QURAN: TAHARAH
The
Holy Quran is the book of Allah (SWT). He (SWT) has sent it for the
guidance of mankind. Therefore, it should not be considered as an
ordinary book and treated in that manner.
In
order to accord the Quran with highest degree of respect and to derive
maximum benefits from it, Islam has laid down some etiquette that has
to be observed while handling and using this divine book.
One who
intends to open the Holy Quran and read from its verses should observe
the following rules:
TAHARAH (PURITY)
“This is indeed a noble Quran, in a guarded book. No one touches it
except the pure ones. Gradually sent down from the Lord of the
worlds”.
(56:77-80)
There
are different interpretations given by the commentators on the term
‘Mutahharoon’ (Pure ones). However, it also refers to those who
are in state of purity whilst touching the Quran. The Scholars of
Islam have emphasised that one should not touch the Holy Quran with
any part of one’s body without ‘Wudhoo’ (Ablution).
The
Late Ayatullah Seyyid Abul-Qasim al-Khui has stated in his Risalah:
It is unlawful to touch the writing of the Holy Quran with
any part of one’s body without performing ablutions. However, there is
no harm in touching, without performing ablutions, the translation of
the Holy Quran in any language.
Further
on, he also adds:
It is unlawful, on the basis of obligatory precaution, to
touch without ablutions, the Name of Allah or His special attributes,
in whichever language they may been written.
This
clearly shows that touching the Arabic text of Quran without ablution
is not permitted. However, one may touch the translation of the Quran
in any other language without ablution BUT be careful about not
touching the Name of Allah and His special attributes. The rulings of
Ayatullah Seyyid Ali al-Seestani in this regard are also similar
(refer Islamic Laws).
Cleaning of the mouth with Miswak (a small stick the tip of
which is softened by chewing used for cleaning and polishing the
teeth) before the recitation of Quran is also highly
recommended.
The
Holy Prophet (saww) said, “Clean the path
of Quran”. Somebody asked, “What is the path of Quran?”
The Holy Prophet (saww) said, “Your
mouths”. When asked, “With what?” The Holy Prophet (saww)
replied, “With Miswak”. (Bihar
al-Anwaar)
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