AlMujtaba Islamic Articles > Holy Quran
 

THE HOLY QURAN – PART 6 - 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)

 

 ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Mulla Mujahidali Sheriff

mulla@almahdi.org.uk


Source: http://www.almahdi.org.uk