Wrapping a Worn-Out Qur’an for Burial Is Not Disrespect

Question

Zayd gathered together old copies of the Holy Qur’an that had become very worn out, and tied them up in a cloth with the intention of “cooling” (immersing) them in some well or pond. At this Zayd’s wife raised a great outcry and disgraced Zayd within the biradari (a kinship or caste community), [claiming] that Zayd had insulted the Holy Qur’an. Zayd and his wife have a dispute over some other matter. Kindly inform us whether Zayd committed any sin or not, and whether his wife committed a sin or not.

Answer

When a Holy Qur’an becomes very worn out and can no longer be used, the best course is to wrap it in cloth, dig a grave, and bury it in a safe place. It is also correct to “cool” (immerse) it in some well or pond in such a way that its pages settle down and no disrespect occurs. If this was indeed Zayd’s intention, he committed no wrongdoing whatsoever.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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