◈ Ruling on Carrying the Muṣḥaf or Islamic Books into the Toilet – A Sharʿi Perspective ◈
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Vol. 1, Page 299
If a person possesses a Muṣḥaf (copy of the Qur'an) or a book or paper containing Qur'anic verses, Ḥadīth, or Islamic remembrances (adhkār), is it permissible to enter the toilet with it?
Islam lays great emphasis on the respect and reverence of the Qur’an and Ḥadīth. Hence, it is essential to avoid any act that may disrespect items containing:
✔ The Speech of Allah (ﷻ)
✔ Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
✔ Other sacred religious content
It is preferable and advisable to leave such items in a clean and pure place before entering the toilet.
This ruling equally applies to any paper that contains:
◈ Qur’anic verses
◈ Adhkār (remembrances)
◈ Aḥādīth
⚠ No explicit textual evidence is necessary for this ruling, as it falls under fundamental principles of the religion which are clearly understood through intellect and natural disposition (fitrah).
Imām Abū Dāwūd, in his work (1/4) under the chapter:
“Bāb al-Khātam Yakūnu Fīhi Dhikr Allāh Taʿālā Yadkhulu Bihi al-Khalā’”
(i.e. "The Chapter Regarding a Ring on Which the Name of Allah is Engraved and Entering the Toilet with It")
Narrates from Anas رضي الله عنه:
"The Prophet ﷺ used to remove his ring when entering the toilet."
(Abū Dāwūd 1/4, al-Mishkāt 1/11, Ḥadīth No. 343)
Note: Although the chain of narration is weak, Imām al-Tirmidhī classified it as ṣaḥīḥ (authentic).
Fatāwā al-Lajnah (4/40):
Q: What is the ruling if someone carries a Muṣḥaf in his pocket while entering the toilet?
Answer:
✔ It is permissible to keep the Muṣḥaf in one's pocket, but:
✘ It is not permissible to enter the toilet with the Muṣḥaf out of respect.
✔ The Muṣḥaf should be kept in a clean and secure place.
✔ If there is fear of theft, then it is permissible to carry it along out of necessity.
If a person carries the Muṣḥaf in his pocket and enters the toilet forgetfully, unaware of its presence, then:
✔ There is no sin upon him in such a case.
✔ What matters is the intention and awareness at the time of the act.
Conclusion:
The sanctity of the Qur’an and Islamic texts must be upheld under all circumstances. A Muslim must ensure no disrespect is shown to such materials, especially in impure or inappropriate places.
Allah knows best.
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Vol. 1, Page 299
❖ Question:
If a person possesses a Muṣḥaf (copy of the Qur'an) or a book or paper containing Qur'anic verses, Ḥadīth, or Islamic remembrances (adhkār), is it permissible to enter the toilet with it?
① Islamic View on the Reverence of Qur'an and Ḥadīth
Islam lays great emphasis on the respect and reverence of the Qur’an and Ḥadīth. Hence, it is essential to avoid any act that may disrespect items containing:
✔ The Speech of Allah (ﷻ)
✔ Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
✔ Other sacred religious content
② Etiquette Concerning the Muṣḥaf or Religious Material
It is preferable and advisable to leave such items in a clean and pure place before entering the toilet.
This ruling equally applies to any paper that contains:
◈ Qur’anic verses
◈ Adhkār (remembrances)
◈ Aḥādīth
⚠ No explicit textual evidence is necessary for this ruling, as it falls under fundamental principles of the religion which are clearly understood through intellect and natural disposition (fitrah).
③ Practice of the Prophet ﷺ
Imām Abū Dāwūd, in his work (1/4) under the chapter:
“Bāb al-Khātam Yakūnu Fīhi Dhikr Allāh Taʿālā Yadkhulu Bihi al-Khalā’”
(i.e. "The Chapter Regarding a Ring on Which the Name of Allah is Engraved and Entering the Toilet with It")
Narrates from Anas رضي الله عنه:
"The Prophet ﷺ used to remove his ring when entering the toilet."
(Abū Dāwūd 1/4, al-Mishkāt 1/11, Ḥadīth No. 343)
Note: Although the chain of narration is weak, Imām al-Tirmidhī classified it as ṣaḥīḥ (authentic).④ Fatwa of al-Lajnah al-Dā'imah (The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta)
Fatāwā al-Lajnah (4/40):
Q: What is the ruling if someone carries a Muṣḥaf in his pocket while entering the toilet?
Answer:
✔ It is permissible to keep the Muṣḥaf in one's pocket, but:
✘ It is not permissible to enter the toilet with the Muṣḥaf out of respect.
✔ The Muṣḥaf should be kept in a clean and secure place.
✔ If there is fear of theft, then it is permissible to carry it along out of necessity.
⑤ If One Forgets and Takes the Muṣḥaf Inside
If a person carries the Muṣḥaf in his pocket and enters the toilet forgetfully, unaware of its presence, then:
✔ There is no sin upon him in such a case.
✔ What matters is the intention and awareness at the time of the act.
Conclusion:
The sanctity of the Qur’an and Islamic texts must be upheld under all circumstances. A Muslim must ensure no disrespect is shown to such materials, especially in impure or inappropriate places.
Allah knows best.
