The Chapter on the Command to Perform Wudu for Touching the Quran
Introduction
The issue of whether touching the Mus’haf (physical copy of the Quran) requires ablution (wudu) is a matter of scholarly disagreement. Some scholars consider it obligatory, while others do not. The evidence from authentic Prophetic hadiths forms the basis for understanding this ruling. In this article, we examine the authentic hadiths and juristic opinions on this matter, highlighting the most reliable view.
First: Evidence Supporting the Obligation of Purification for Touching the Quran
1. The Explicit Hadith on the Command for Wudu to Touch the Quran
The Prophet ï·º wrote in a letter to the people of Yemen, as narrated by Amr ibn Hazm (may Allah be pleased with him):
> **“No one should touch the Quran except one who is pure.”**
(Reported by Malik in *Al-Muwatta*, An-Nasa’i, and authenticated by Al-Albani).
This hadith is a clear text prohibiting touching the Quran except in a state of purity, which includes both major and minor ritual impurity.
2. Narrations from the Companions on This Matter
- Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said:
> **“No one should touch the Quran except one who is pure.”**
(Reported by Ibn Abi Shaybah in *Al-Musannaf*, and its chain was authenticated by Ibn Hajar).
- Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) would forbid touching the Mus’haf without purification.
These narrations indicate that the Companions understood from the texts that purification is required for touching the Quran.
3. Analogical Reasoning (Qiyas) Based on the Prohibition for the Junub (One in a State of Major Impurity)
If a person in a state of major impurity (junub) is unanimously prohibited from touching the Mus’haf, then a person in a state of minor impurity is even more deserving of this prohibition, since purification is required in both cases.
Second: Evidence of Those Who Do Not Require Wudu for Touching the Mus’haf
1. The Absence of an Explicit Quranic Text
There is no explicit command in the Quran requiring purification for touching the Mus’haf. Some scholars cite the general verse:
> **“None can touch it except the purified.”** (Al-Waqi’ah 56:79).
However, the majority of scholars argue that this verse refers to the angels, not the ruling on touching the Mus’haf.
2. Some Narrations from the Companions
Some Companions, such as Ibn Abbas, reportedly did not see an issue with touching the Mus’haf without wudu. However, these narrations are weak or interpreted as concessions in cases of necessity.
3. The Distinction Between Reading and Merely Touching
Some scholars argue that the prohibition applies only when intending to read the Quran, whereas merely touching it without reading does not require wudu.
Third: The Most Reliable Opinion
The most correct opinion—and Allah knows best—is that purification is required for touching the Mus’haf, due to the following reasons:
1. The authenticity of the hadith of Amr ibn Hazm, which is explicit on this matter.
2. The practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in accordance with this hadith.
3. The Quran is the speech of Allah, so it is recommended to honor it by being in a state of purity when touching it.
However, if a person is compelled to touch it for learning or teaching and cannot find water, they may perform dry ablution (tayammum).
Conclusion
This issue is subject to scholarly disagreement, but it is preferable to take the cautious approach, especially given the explicit hadith. A Muslim should purify themselves before touching the Mus’haf out of reverence for the word of Allah, unless there is a necessity, in which case the concession may be applied.
And Allah knows best.
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