QUESTION:
Previously, when we disposed of Islamic calendars or notebooks from the Madrasah, we used to put them in the fireplace and then throw the ash outside into the garden. Verses from the Quran used to be on these papers. Was this incorrect? Does burning it make us sinners?
ANSWER:
The Hanafis and Hanabila have stated that if the Mushaf (or Quraanic verses) that are recorded in a Kitaab cannot be recited any longer (as the Mushaf or Kitaab is torn), then it should be placed in a clean piece of cloth and buried in an area that is not trampled upon. This is the best method of disposing of Deeni literature. However, there is a narration that states that there is no harm in burning Kitaabs. In conclusion, both methods are acceptable, but it is better to bury Deeni literature as stated above.
صَرَّحَ الْحَنَفِيَّةُ وَالْحَنَابِلَةُ بِأَنَّ الْمُصْحَفَ إِذَا صَارَ بِحَالٍ لاَ يُقْرَأُ فِيهِ، يُدْفَنُ كَالْمُسْلِمِ، فَيُجْعَل فِي خِرْقَةٍ طَاهِرَةٍ، وَيُدْفَنُ فِي مَحَلٍّ غَيْرِ مُمْتَهَنٍ لاَ يُوطَأُ (الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية / الدر المختار ص177 ج1
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE MERCY KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
Date: 17 Muharram 1446 / 24 July 2024
