Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh
Question:
Assalamualaikum.
I do have a question on the etiquette of handling the Quran. I used to read the Quran after each obligatory prayer. I prefer to read the Quran sitting on my prayer mat when my toddler is sleeping on the bed. Is it permissible to put the Quran down on the prayer mat when someone like toddlers is sleeping on the bed? Please need clarification on this.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The Quran should be handled with ultimate respect as it contains the Speech of Allāh.
Imām an-Nawawi mentions the following etiquettes before reciting the Quran.
- To be pure and clean
- To cover Awrah
- To choose a clean place for the recitation.
- To brush the teeth
- To be in a place which is away from any distractions
The scholars also state that the Quran should not be placed on the floor. Rather you should treat it with respect and placed it on something raised from the ground.
Imām al-Qurtubi mentions that the sanctity of the Quran is not to place it on the ground, or to leave it open or to place anything on top of it. Therefore, my advice is not to place the Quran on the prayer mat but rather place it on something to hold the Quran on.
Reference:
Al-Tibyan Fi AdabHamalat al-Quran of Imām an-Nawawi, p.70, Far Ibn Hazm, Beirut
Al-Jami Li Ahkam al-Quran of Qurtubi, Vol.1 p.28, Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyyah
Only Allah knows best
Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham