Damaged Quran.. Dar Al-Ifta Explains the Proper Disposal Method
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained the ruling on disposing of an old or damaged Quran that cannot be repaired and outlined methods to preserve its sanctity.
Damaged Quran.. Dar Al-Ifta Explains the Proper Disposal Method
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta answered a question about the ruling on disposing of an old or damaged Quran and the proper way to protect it from disrespect. The institution explained that when a Quran becomes worn or torn and cannot be repaired, it may be disposed of for the purpose of preserving its sanctity.
Dar Al-Ifta explained that an old Quran may be burned, wrapped in a clean and pure cloth and buried in a suitable place, or processed using modern machines that shred its pages into very small particles, which can then be burned or buried.
The Obligation to Respect and Preserve the Quran
Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that the Quran must be respected and preserved and that exposing it to any form of disrespect is prohibited. The institution cited Imam Al-Nawawi’s statement in Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran affirming the consensus of Muslims on the obligation to preserve and respect the Quran.
When Quran pages become worn or torn to the point that they can no longer be used and cannot be repaired through rebinding or other means, scholars have permitted disposal as a means of preserving its sanctity.
Scholarly Views on Disposing of an Old Quran
Scholars agreed that disposing of a Quran that has become too damaged to use is permissible, although they differed regarding the method. Their common purpose is to honor the Quran and protect it from disrespect.
The Hanafi and Hanbali View on Burying the Quran
The Hanafi and Hanbali schools held that an old Quran may be wrapped in a clean and pure cloth and buried in a place where it will not be stepped on and where it will remain protected from impurity.
Ibn Nujaym stated that when a Quran becomes so old that it can no longer be read and there is concern that it may be lost or disrespected, it can be placed in a pure cloth and buried.
Al-Bahuti also reported that Imam Ahmad mentioned that Abu Al-Jawza had a Quran that became worn, so he dug a place for it in his mosque and buried it.
The Maliki and Shafi'i View on Burning an Old Quran
The Maliki and Shafi'i schools held that burning an old Quran is permissible when the purpose is to preserve it and prevent it from being stepped on or disrespected.
Scholars emphasized that burning for preservation is different from burning with the intention of contempt, as the purpose in the former case is to protect the sanctity of the Quran.
When Is Burning an Old Quran Permissible?
Burning an old Quran is permissible when it serves as a means of preservation, particularly when it cannot be repaired or used and burning is intended to prevent disrespect.
Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami stated that burning something containing Quranic writing is disliked unless it is done for a purpose such as preservation, citing the burning of Quran copies during the caliphate of Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him.
Scholars also explained that burning may become necessary when it is the only effective way to preserve the Quran and protect it from disrespect.
Can an Old Quran Be Shredded Using Modern Machines?
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained that modern machines capable of shredding paper into very small particles provide another method for preserving an old Quran that cannot be repaired.
Accordingly, paper shredders and similar machines may be used to reduce the Quran’s pages to very small particles, provided that the resulting pieces are handled in a way that protects any remaining letters and words from disrespect.
What Should Be Done With the Shredded Pieces?
After the Quran’s pages have been reduced to very small particles, the pieces may be burned or wrapped in a clean and pure cloth and buried, thereby preserving the sanctity of the Quran.
What Is the Proper Way to Dispose of an Old Quran?
Dar Al-Ifta explained that an old or damaged Quran that cannot be repaired may be disposed of through several methods, including:
- Burning it for the purpose of preservation.
- Wrapping it in a clean and pure cloth and burying it in an appropriate place.
- Using modern machines to shred its pages into very small particles.
- Burning or burying the resulting particles in a manner that preserves its sanctity.
The Purpose of Disposing of an Old Quran
Dar Al-Ifta explained that the purpose of disposing of an old Quran is to preserve and honor it and protect it from disrespect, rather than to treat it with contempt.
Therefore, although scholars differed regarding the method of disposal, they agreed on the underlying objective of preserving the sanctity of the Quran. The method may vary as long as preservation and reverence remain the intended purpose.
Conclusion
When a Quran becomes worn or torn and cannot be repaired, it may be disposed of for the purpose of preserving its sanctity. This can be done by burning it, wrapping it in a clean and pure cloth and burying it, or using modern machines to shred its pages into very small particles before burning or burying them.
Is it permissible to dispose of an old Quran?
Yes. If the Quran has become worn or damaged beyond repair, it may be disposed of when the purpose is to preserve it from disrespect.
Can an old Quran be burned?
Yes. Burning is permissible when it is done for preservation and protection of its sanctity, rather than contempt.
Can an old Quran be buried?
Yes. It may be wrapped in a clean and pure cloth and buried in an appropriate place away from impurity and being stepped on.
Can an old Quran be shredded?
Yes. Modern machines may be used to shred its pages into very small pieces, which can then be burned or buried in a manner that preserves its sanctity.
What is the purpose of disposing of an old Quran?
The purpose is to preserve the Quran, honor its sanctity, and protect it from disrespect, not to dispose of it out of contempt.
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