QUESTION:
Is it permissible to allow a non-Muslim book-binder to repair a damaged Mushaf, especially if there are no Muslim book-binders in one’s locality?
ANSWER:
Under normal circumstances, it will not be permissible to give the Quraan Majeed to a non-Muslim for binding. According to Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah and Imaam Yusuf Rahimahullah, a non-Muslim is not permitted to touch the Quraan Sharif at all. However, Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah has permitted them to touch the Quraan Sharif, with the proviso that they take Ghusl before touching the Quraan Sharif. This is in the hope that they will be guided by reciting the Quraan Sharif.
Now coming to your query, it will be best that you try to look for a Muslim person that can assist with binding the Quraan Sharif, even though he may be in a different town or a distance away. We understand that there isn’t a Muslim book-binder in your town, but we are sure that they are available in other parts of the country. You may locate them through the internet. You may also contact Muslim book-printers that may assist in pointing out Muslim book-binders to you, since printing of books, binding, etc. is related to their business.
There is no guarantee that the non-Muslim bookbinder will really take a Ghusl and respect the Quraan Sharif, even though they may seem sincere before us and agree to do so. We therefore advise that you find a Muslim person and have it bound by him, or alternatively, have the Quraan Sharif buried (if it is excessively torn) and purchase another copy of the Quraan Sharif for recitation.
وَالنَّصْرَانِيُّ إذَا تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ يُعَلَّمُ وَالْفِقْهُ كَذَلِكَ لِأَنَّهُ عَسَى يَهْتَدِي لَكِنْ لَا يَمَسُّ الْمُصْحَفَ، وَإِذَا اغْتَسَلَ ثُمَّ مَسَّ لَا بَأْسَ بِهِ فِي قَوْلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعِنْدَهُمَا يُمْنَعُ مِنْ مَسِّ الْمُصْحَفِ مُطْلَقًا (البحر الرائق 1/212)
Re: – Fataawaa Raheemiyyah Vol.3 Pg. 32
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: – 29 Rabi ul Aakhir 1445 / 14 November 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
