Assalamualikum respected muftisaheb.
I have a question pertaining to the handling and storage of the Quraan, please.
1) I have a bookshelf on which I keep a few copies of the Quraan along with other kitaabs and Islamic literature, as well as other non-Islamic books. The Quran and kitaabs are stored and enclosed within the bookshelf. Since the top part of the shelf is empty, we generally store other materials on it, such as printing paper, etc.
I’d like to know if it’s permissible to store these materials in this manner, or would it be considered disrespectful, since these items are above the Quraan?
2) Most of the cupboards in our house are built in a way such that one cupboard, is on top of the other.
The cupboards right at the top (I.e. those cupboards closest to the ceiling) contain household items which are used occasionally.
The cupboards at the bottom (I.e. the cupboards which sit directly on the floor) contain every day items such as clothing, etc. In these bottom cupboards, we also store our Quraan and other kitaabs which are read on a daily basis. Please can muftisaheb advise if it’s permissible to store our Quraans in this manner, or, if it is considered disrespectful since there is another cupboard with items, ontop of the cupboard on which the Quraan is kept.
Jazak-Allah muftisaheb
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
The Quran Sharif is the spoken word of Allah. Hence, we need to treat it with extreme respect. Allah says:
ومن يعظم شعائر الله فإنها من تقوى القلوب
“Whosoever venerates the symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts.” (Qur’an, 22:32)
We commend you for asking these questions, to ensure that you offer utmost respect to this noble book.
1) Since the shelf has a door, and the other items are on the outside of the shelf, it will be fine.
The Quran should be placed on the highest shelf within the cupboard.
You should ensure that the non-Islamic books that are in the same cupboard does not have any pictures of inanimate objects. It will be very disrespectful to have the noble Quran on one shelf, and a book with a picture of a human or animal within that same cupboard.
2) It is fine to store the Quran in a cupboard that is lower than another cupboard. As long as the Quran is on the highest shelf within one cupboard, it is fine. For practical reasons, you do not have to place the Quran in the cupboard above. Placing the Quran on the highest shelf within the top cupboard might also deter you from taking it out to recite.
And Allaah Ta’aala knows best
Wassalaam,
Ismail Moosa (Mufti)