Burning a Worn-Out Qur’an

Question

A certain man burned the Qur’an — has he thereby left the fold of faith (iman)? If he has left the fold of faith, has his marriage (nikah) thereby also become invalid? In that case, is his wife obliged to observe the waiting period (‘idda)? If such a man wishes to take his wife back, what should he do according to the Sacred Law?

Answer

If the burning of the Qur’an occurred because it had become worn out and was no longer fit for recitation, and he burned it in order to protect it from disrespect, then no change occurred in his faith (iman) — however, he made a mistake. In such a case he should have wrapped it in a clean cloth, dug a grave, and buried it. Now let him seek forgiveness (istighfar)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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