Writing the Qur’an in the Devanagari Script

Question

Question: The Noble Qur’an published by Jama‘at-e-Islami Hind in Hindi (the Devanagari script) is read and understood, while the Qur’an in Arabic script is recited aloud (tilawa is performed). Which of the two is superior — the Arabic script or Hindi — for the recitation of which will one receive greater reward?

Answer

It is necessary to write the words of the Qur’an in the Arabic script; writing it in the Devanagari script or in any other script is not permitted. Al-Itqan records the agreement of the four imams on this. Writing it in the Devanagari script will corrupt the text: no clear distinction will remain between ح (ha), ذ (dhal), ز (zay), ض (dad) and ظ (za)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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