Can I kiss the Quran?
Yes, many scholars allow kissing the Quran as a sign of love and respect. It isn't required and it isn't a confirmed sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, so you won't miss any reward by not doing it. Some scholars discourage it to avoid adding rituals to worship. Either way, the real respect for the Quran is reading it, understanding it and living by it.
Why people kiss the Quran
In many Muslim cultures, people kiss the mushaf (the printed Quran) when picking it up, after finishing a reading, or when they find it on the floor and lift it. For them, it's a spontaneous expression of love for Allah's words, similar to kissing a letter from someone you love. As a convert, you may have seen this at the mosque and wondered whether you should do it too.
What scholars say
- Allowed or recommended: many scholars, including views reported from the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools and one narration from Imam Ahmad, say it is permissible as a sign of honor. Some cite a report that the Companion 'Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl would place the mushaf against his face, though scholars discuss the strength of its chain.
- Not a sunnah: other scholars note that there is no authentic report of the Prophet ﷺ kissing the Quran. They advise against treating it as an act of worship, because acts of worship are taken from the Prophet ﷺ.
- A middle position: it's fine as a personal gesture of love, as long as you don't believe it's required or rewarded in a special way.
A related principle comes from 'Umar. When he kissed the Black Stone at the Ka'bah, he said: "No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) kissing you I would not have kissed you" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1597). Scholars who are cautious about kissing the mushaf use this to show that rituals of honor should follow the Prophet's example.
Respect that everyone agrees on
Whatever you decide about kissing, all scholars agree the Quran deserves honor:
- Handle it with care: keep it clean and in a good place. See Where should I keep the Quran at home?
- Lift it from the floor: see Can I put the Quran on the floor?
- Wudu: most scholars require wudu to touch the printed mushaf.
- Act on it: the Quran's greatest honor is being read and followed.
Don't judge others either way
If you see someone kissing the Quran, there's no need to correct them, since many scholars allow it. If someone tells you not to, they're following a respected view too. This is a minor issue where good Muslims differ, so keep it gentle and focus on your relationship with the Book itself.
- Many scholars allow kissing the Quran as a sign of respect.
- It isn't a confirmed sunnah, and it isn't required.
- Some scholars discourage it to avoid new rituals.
- Reading and acting on the Quran is the greatest respect.
People also ask
Why isn't the Quran in chronological order?
No, it isn't chronological, on purpose: the Quran came over 23 years, but the Prophet arranged it by revelation as a book of guidance.
Read the full answer →Can I get a Quran verse tattoo?
No, new tattoos aren't allowed, and a Quran verse adds extra concerns, like taking it into the bathroom. Old tattoos from before Islam are forgiven.
Read the full answer →Is listening to the Quran as good as reading it?
No, not exactly, but both are rewarded. Reciting earns reward per letter; attentive listening brings mercy. Doing both is best.
Read the full answer →Was the Quran changed over time?
No, according to Muslim belief and the record: the Quran was memorized, written, compiled under Abu Bakr and standardized by Uthman.
Read the full answer →Can I hang Quran verses on my wall?
Yes, most scholars allow it if the verses are respected: hang them in a clean place, never the bathroom, and not as a charm.
Read the full answer →