Is It Permissible to Recite the Qur’an in Impure Clothes?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum

Is it permissible to recite the Qur’an in impure clothes?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Yes, it is permissible to recite the Qur’an whilst wearing clothing that is ritually impure. But this is contrary to proper manners (adab) with the Qur’an as being in such an undignified state is unbecoming for the one beholding the Divine Address.

Allah Most High says, “And whosoever venerates God’s waymarks, that is of the godliness of the hearts.” [22:32]

This is when you have a choice. In cases of difficulty, you are only responsible to the extent of your ability. The intention of the slave is greater than his action, said the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Please also see: Etiquette of Reading and Handling the Qur’an and: Why is There so much Concern with ‘Manners’ (Adab) in Islam?

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorised the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.