Can I Recite (Read) or Touch Quran Without Wudu (Ablution)

Many Muslims have asked whether they can recite or read Quran without being in a state of wudu (ritual ablution). The scholarly opinions on this issue differ.

Some scholars say that one must have wudu in order to touch or recite the Quran. They base this view on certain hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) which state that the Quran should not be touched except by those who are purified. For example, there is a hadith which says “None should touch the Quran except one who is purified.” (Al-Tabarani)

However, the majority of scholars believe that having wudu is recommended but not obligatory for recite Quran. Their evidence includes the following:

1. The Quran itself does not mention anywhere that one must have wudu in order to recite it. If this was an obligation, Allah would have mentioned it clearly in the Quran.
2. There are examples from the Prophet's life showing him reciting Quran without being in a state of wudu, such as after waking up from sleep.
3. Some authentic hadiths mention the virtues of reciting Quran while not in a state of purity. For example, a hadith states that whoever recites the Quran when not in a state of wudu, will get double the reward. (Ibn Hibban)
4. Reciting Quran is different from praying salah, for which wudu is obligatory. The act of worship in reciting Quran is the recitation itself, regardless of the purity state.
5. The other hadiths mentioning purity when touching the Quran may refer to a recommended state out of respect, and not an obligation. Or they may refer to purity from major impurities like bleeding.

Based on these evidences, most scholars conclude that having wudu is recommended when reciting Quran, in order to show respect and dignity towards the words of Allah. However, it is not a condition or requirement. Even in a state of minor ritual impurity like breaking wudu, one can still recite the Quran and receive blessings and reward for it.

Can I Touch Quran Without Wudu?

Similar to the case of reciting Quran, scholars also have different opinions on whether one needs to have wudu (ritual ablution) in order to touch the physical mushaf (written or printed copy of the Quran).

Some scholars say that having wudu is obligatory to touch the mushaf, based on hadiths like: “None should touch the Quran except one who is purified.” (Al-Tabarani)

However, the majority opinion is that purity is recommended but not required to touch the mushaf. Evidences for this include:

• As mentioned earlier, the Quran itself does not state anywhere that one must have wudu to touch the mushaf. If it was a condition, Allah would have made that clear.
• There are examples from the Prophet's life showing him carrying and touching mushaf without wudu, such as soon after waking up.
• Scholars state the hadiths mentioning purity when touching the Quran may refer to a recommended state out of respect. Or they may refer to purity from major impurities like bleeding, not just a lack of wudu.
• The respected status of the Quran is preserved regardless of whether the person touching it has wudu or not. The Quran’s sanctity is inherent in its words and message.

Thus, most scholars do not consider having wudu a requirement to touch the physical Quran or its mus'haf. However, being in a state of wudu is preferred, as it shows honor and reverence towards the Noble Quran. If one is not in a state of wudu, he/she should still handle the mushaf with utmost care and respect.

Evidence From Quran and Sunnah

The Quran and Sunnah provide evidence which forms the basis for the majority scholarly opinion that reciting and touching the Quran without wudu is permissible. Some of the key evidences are:

Quran Verses

“Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable...” (Quran, 17:9) - The Quran's guidance and benefit is unconditional.

“And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Quran, 54:17) - The Quran was made easy to remember and recite regularly.

Hadiths on Reciting Without Wudu

The Prophet (s) said: “One who recites the Quran when not in a state of purity will receive double the reward.” (Ibn Hibban)

Ibn ‘Abbas reported: “The Prophet (s) would wake up at night to pray and recite Quran while ritually impure (without wudu).” (Muslim)

Hadiths on Touching Without Wudu

‘Aisha reported: “The Prophet (s) would recline on my lap while I was menstruating, and he would recite the Quran.” (Bukhari)

Ibn Abbas narrated: “The Prophet (s) was holding the hand of Umar bin Al-Khattab while circumambulating the Kaaba, and Umar was in a state of ritual impurity (without wudu).” (Bukhari)

These hadiths and verses indicate the permissibility of reciting and touching the Quran without wudu. However, as a sign of respect and reverence, maintaining wudu is recommended whenever possible.

Views of Major Scholars

The opinion that wudu is not an absolute condition for reciting and touching Quran is held by the majority of scholarly schools of thought in Islam, including:

Hanafi School: Does not require wudu to touch or recite the Quran. Considers it recommended.

Maliki School: Permits touching and reciting Quran without wudu. Wudu is preferred out of respect.

Shafi’i School: Permits reciting and touching Quran without wudu. Regards wudu as recommended action before doing so.

Hanbali School: Allows touching and reciting Quran without wudu based on necessity or need. Considers wudu to be recommended otherwise.

Thus, across schools of Islamic law, the mainstream scholarly position is that reciting or touching the Quran without wudu is permissible, though having wudu is praiseworthy. This position is based on a holistic analysis of all the textual evidence from Quran and Sunnah on the matter.

Wisdom Behind the Permissibility

The wisdom behind the permissibility to recite and touch the Quran without wudu relates to facilitating continuous connection and engagement with Allah’s words.

1. It enables Muslims to frequently recite and benefit from the Quran in all states, without restrictions.
2. It allows continual reverence and care towards handling the mushaf, even when in a state where wudu cannot be performed.
3. It avoids unnecessary hardship, while maintaining respect for the Quran’s sanctity which does not depend solely on physical purity.
4. It emphasizes the inherent honor of the Quran's message that uplifts hearts and souls, rather than only outward purification.

Thus, permitting recitation and touch without wudu recognizes the Quran’s lofty status in itself, while enabling Muslims to establish constant spiritual linkage with the Divine words and bear the responsibilities entrusted to them by Allah in all situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mainstream scholarly view in Islam is that having wudu is recommended, but not an absolute requirement, for reciting from memory or touching the physical mushaf of the Quran. This view gives priority to the inherent sanctity, accessibility and universality of the Divine message, while also encouraging outward reverence and respect for Allah’s words as much as possible. Muslims who strive to engage with the Quran frequently should make effort to maintain wudu as a matter of adab (etiquette), while recognizing the permissibility of engaging in the noble act of recitation and study even in states of ritual impurity when necessary.