Proper Disposal of Sacred Pages with Due Respect in Islam

Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth – Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1

❖ The Question​

“What is the correct Islamic method of disposing pages that contain the names of Allah or the Prophet ﷺ?”

❖ The Obligation of Respect​

It is obligatory and necessary to show respect and care for any written material containing:

◈ Names of Allah ﷻ
◈ Name of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ
◈ Qur’anic verses
◈ Authentic aḥādīth
◈ Other sacred Islamic texts

These should not be thrown away in locations where there is a risk of disrespect or desecration.

❖ Methods for Honorable Disposal​

If such pages or materials are no longer in use, they should be disposed of respectfully using one of the following Islamically approved methods:

✔ Burial in a Clean Place:
They may be buried in a clean, dry area where there is no risk of being walked upon or desecrated.

✔ Burning with Respect:
Burning is permissible—as practiced by ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān رضي الله عنه when he ordered the burning of old Qur’anic manuscripts to avoid confusion with the standardized text.

✔ Storing Securely:
If disposal is not possible, such materials should be safely stored in a clean and elevated place, such as a cupboard or shelf dedicated to sacred items.

❖ Scholarly Reference​

This ruling is based on the fatwā of Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله, recorded in:

Fatāwā Islāmiyyah, Volume 4, Page 313

❖ Conclusion​

Disposing of sacred pages with names of Allah ﷻ and the Prophet ﷺ requires utmost reverence. Whether through burial, burning, or secure storage, the goal is to preserve their sanctity and avoid all forms of dishonor or negligence.