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Can a Non-Muslim Touch the Quran?

17-01-2001

Question 12225

Is it permissible for a non-Muslim to read the Quran without the thorough cleansing of self beforehand like a Muslim would?

Summary of answer:

A non-Muslim should not touch the Quran, but it is permissible for him to listen to the Quran on radio or TV and to read the translations of the meanings of the Quran.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Glorious Quran should not be touched by anyone except those who are purified . Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are impure.” [Al-Tawbah 9:28]

On this basis, the non-Muslim should not be permitted to touch the Quran, whether he is a Christian , a Jew, a Buddhist, a Hindu or anything else. But it is permissible for him to listen to the Quran on radio or TV, or from tapes, and it is permissible for him to read the translations of the meanings of the Quran which are available in different languages. 

And Allah knows best.

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