Ruling on Reading the Quran from a Mobile Phone

Sheikh Owaida Othman, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, confirmed that it is permissible to read the Holy Quran on a mobile phone without wudu, as a smartphone is not considered a Mushaf (printed Quran) in the juristic sense. Rather, it is an electronic device that displays digital text and does not carry the same ruling as the physical Quran.

The Difference Between a Printed Mushaf and a Mobile Phone

He explained that the majority of scholars recommend, and many require, ritual purity (wudu) before touching a printed Mushaf out of reverence for the words of Allah. However, a mobile phone is not treated as a physical Mushaf because it is a technological device that merely displays the Quranic text and is not itself a printed copy of the Quran.

The Virtue of Being in a State of Purity

Although reading the Quran from a mobile phone without wudu is permissible, Sheikh Owaida Othman emphasized that it is still preferable for a Muslim to be in a state of ritual purity while reciting the Quran, even when using a smartphone, as a sign of respect for the Book of Allah and to enhance devotion and spiritual focus.

Reading the Quran When Wudu Is Not Possible

The Secretary of Fatwa noted that if performing wudu is difficult—for example, while traveling, commuting, or in circumstances where purification is not possible—there is no harm in reading the Quran from a mobile phone. A Muslim may continue their daily recitation without incurring any sin.

Ease in Islamic Law

He stressed that this ruling reflects the ease and flexibility of Islamic law, which considers people's circumstances and encourages Quran recitation at all times without unnecessary hardship.

Summary of the Ruling

Reading the Quran from a mobile phone:

• Is permissible without wudu.
• Is better while in a state of ritual purity.
• Does not require wudu because a smartphone is not considered a printed Mushaf.

Is it permissible to read the Quran on a mobile phone without wudu?

Yes. According to Sheikh Owaida Othman, it is permissible and there is no religious objection.

Is a mobile phone considered a Mushaf?

No. A smartphone is an electronic device and is not considered a printed Mushaf.

Is it better to read the Quran while having wudu?

Yes. Being in a state of ritual purity is preferable and reflects greater reverence for the words of Allah.

What if I cannot perform wudu?

You may still read the Quran from your mobile phone without any sin if performing wudu is not possible.