Status of reading Qur'an and performing wudhu in haiz

Q. Is it permissible for a lady in the state of Haiz (menstruation) to read verses or Surahs from the Qur'an (e.g., Surah Yaa-Seen) that are published in another book, such as the "Pansurah"? Is she allowed to touch it? If so, is it recommended to perform Wuzu first? Is the Wuzu valid during the period of menstruation?

A. A woman in a state of Haiz is not allowed to read the Qur'an, whether by looking at it or by reciting it from memory. This prohibition also applies to reading Qur'anic verses found in another book. There is no difference between reading the Qur'an directly or reading it from a book like the "Pansurah." Therefore, it is forbidden for a woman in Haiz to read Surah Yasin or any other Surah from such a book.

However, it is permissible for her to recite Du'aas that contain Qur'anic verses, such as "Rabbanaa..." with the intention of making Du'a, not with the intention of reciting the Qur'an (Tilawat).

According to a Hadith from Tirmidhi, reported by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar (Radiyallahu anhuma), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"A woman in Haiz and a person in the state of Janabat (requiring Ghusl) are not allowed to read the Qur'an."

This is the opinion of the majority of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) and Tabi'in, according to Imam Tirmidhi (Rahimahullah), and is also supported by Imam An-Nawawi (Rahimahullah).  It is also the point of view of the majority of the scholars of Deen.

A woman in Haiz or anyone without Wuzu is not permitted to touch the Mushaf (a physical copy of the Qur'an).

According to a Hadith from Mu'atta Imam Malik (Rahimahullah), Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"No one has the right to touch (the Mushaf) except in the state of Taharat (purity - Ghusl and Wuzu)."

This rule also applies to Tafsir (commentary) which consist primarily of the Qur'an verses. Since the Qur'anic verses are the primary content of these books, they occupy a very important and primordial position and not a secondary one and therefore it is governed by the same rules as the Qur'an itself. However, other books like Hadith or Fiqh do, it is not Waajib to be in the state of purity to handle. It is not permissible to touch Qur'anic verses within such books with bare hands, but it is highly recommended to maintain Taharat when handling any religious books.

In the case of Pansurah, there are two points of view, namely -

1. It is a book that does not consist of the Qur'an verses exclusively. There are other things which occupy more space than the Qur'an verses therein.
2. The position of the Surahs of Pansurah is not secondary to the other things it contains. The existence of these Surahs is primordial and essential, hence the name of "Pansurah" (the 5 Surahs).

In the light of these two points of view it can be deduced that the first requires that the Pansurah be similar to other books of Deen that can be touched or handled without Taharat. But the second point of view states that Pansurah is of the same category as Qur'an and the books of Tafsir.

Of the two opinions mentioned above, the second is more correct as there is more precautions and respect for the Qur'anic verses. So, it is necessary that one observes complete Taharat (Ghusl and Wuzu) to touch the Pansurah.

A lady, in the state of Haiz, can do Zikr. Such an action contains enormous virtues. Therefore, it is her duty in this state to perform Wuzu at the time of each Salah, to sit on the Musallah and do the Zikr for the duration of the Salah. All this is in order to preserve the good habit of Salah.

Nevertheless it should be noted that Wuzu as well as Ghusl, performed in the state of Haiz are not valid because they do not allow us to practice the Ibaadaat that require Taharat.

[English version of "La lecture des versets ou des Sourahs du Qour'aan et la validité du wouzou pendant le Haiz" – Al Haadi – Vol. 3 No. 2]