Ruling on Recitation of the Qur’an for Menstruating Women and Those in a State of Janabah
❖ Question
Can women recite the Qur’an during menstruation? Can they touch the Qur’an while wearing gloves—particularly female students in Islamic schools? Also, can a person in a state of janabah (major ritual impurity) recite the Qur’an verbally?
❖ Answer by
Fadhīlat al-Bāḥith Dāwud Ismā‘īl ḥafiẓahullāh
Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
✿ Ruling for Menstruating Women Regarding Qur’an Recitation
❶ Permission to Recite Orally:
A menstruating woman is permitted to recite the Qur’an verbally.
❷ Ruling on Touching the Qur’an:
- It is not permissible for her to touch the Mushaf (physical Qur’an) directly.
- She may recite the Qur’an using gloves or via non-direct means (e.g., touch-screen mobile, tablet, or computer).
- Preferred Practice: It is better for her not to touch the Mushaf, and instead to recite using digital devices.
Qur’anic Verse:
“لَا يَمَسُّهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُطَهَّرُونَ”
“None touch it except the purified.”
(Sūrah al-Wāqi‘ah: 79)
This verse refers to touching the Qur’an in a state of purity, and applies to direct contact only. Devices like mobile phones or tablets do not fall under this ruling.
✿ Ruling for Female Students in Madrasahs
Female students fall under the same ruling—they may use electronic means (mobiles, tablets, etc.) for reciting the Qur’an during menstruation.
✿ Ruling for a Person in the State of Janabah
❶ Verbal Recitation of Qur’an:
A person in the state of janabah (major ritual impurity) is not permitted to recite the Qur’an verbally.
❷ Recommended Practice:
Since removing janabah through ghusl is within one’s control, it is highly recommended that the individual performs ghusl first, then recites the Qur’an.
- If taking a ghusl is not immediately possible, scholars mention that some leniency exists, but ghusl should be prioritized.
✔ Summary:
- Menstruating women may recite Qur’an orally but should not touch the Mushaf directly.
- Use of gloves or digital devices is permissible.
- Students in madrasahs may also follow this method.
- A person in janabah should refrain from Qur’anic recitation until ghusl is performed.
