Ruling on Recitation of the Qur’an for Menstruating Women and Those in a State of Janabah
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?
Fadhīlat al-Bāḥith Dāwud Ismā‘īl ḥafiẓahullāh
Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❶ Permission to Recite Orally:
A menstruating woman is permitted to recite the Qur’an verbally.
❷ Ruling on Touching the Qur’an:
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.
Female students fall under the same ruling—they may use electronic means (mobiles, tablets, etc.) for reciting the Qur’an during menstruation.
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.
✔ Summary:
❖ 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.
