Drawing out a thief’s name by means of a Qur’anic verse

Question

A certain person constantly draws out the names of thieves by means of the Qur’an and holds it necessary to accept the name that comes out as correct. His method of drawing out names is this: the Qur’an is tied with a thread or rope and hung in the middle of an iron nail; then two people lift this nail by its two ends, each on one index finger, and while it is lifted the Qur’an hangs in the middle of the nail.

Answer

This act is contrary to the reverence due to the Noble Qur’an; it is disrespect and entails insult. Even if someone’s name does come out, this is not a proof of the Sacred Law. It is not permissible to declare him a thief by means of it. It is necessary to abandon this occupation and repent.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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