How do I dispose of an old or damaged Quran?
It depends on its condition, but never throw it in the trash. If it's still readable, repair it or give it away. If it's too damaged to use, the two classic methods are burying it in clean ground or burning it respectfully, and many mosques collect old copies to do this for you. Shredding is also accepted by many scholars today.
First: can it still be used?
A loose cover or a few torn pages don't mean a Quran has to go. Before disposing of it, consider:
- Repairing it: tape torn pages, re-glue the spine, or have it rebound.
- Donating it: mosques, Islamic schools, prisons and new-Muslim programs often welcome used copies in good condition.
- Keeping it for study: an old copy can become your "notes" Quran.
The accepted ways to dispose of it
- Burial: wrap it in clean cloth and bury it in clean ground where people don't walk, such as a corner of a garden. Many scholars, especially in the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, prefer this method.
- Burning: other scholars, including many Shafi'is and Malikis, allow burning it respectfully until nothing readable remains, then burying or scattering the ashes in a clean place.
- Shredding: many contemporary scholars accept shredding it so finely that no words can be read, then disposing of the pieces respectfully.
- Mosque collection: the easiest option for most people. Many mosques have a box for worn Qurans and old Islamic papers.
Where burning comes from
Burning may sound shocking to people from a Christian background, but it has a clear precedent. When the caliph Uthman had standard copies of the Quran made and sent to every province, he "ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt" (Sahih al-Bukhari 4987). The aim was respect and protection: preventing the words from being scattered, stepped on or misused. So burning done for this reason is the opposite of the hateful Quran burnings seen in the news, which are meant as insults. See Can I put the Quran on the floor?
Whatever paper wears out, Allah has promised to protect the Quran itself:
Other papers with verses
The same care applies to worksheets, calendars, wedding cards or flyers with Quran verses or the name of Allah on them. Put them in the mosque collection box, or shred or burn them at home. In many Western cities, local laws restrict open burning, so check your local rules or use a mosque or shredder instead. See Can I touch the Quran if I'm not Muslim?
- Never put a Quran in the trash or recycling bin.
- Repair or donate it if it's still usable.
- Burial, respectful burning and fine shredding are accepted.
- Most mosques will take worn copies for you.
People also ask
How do I learn to read the Quran in Arabic as an adult?
Yes, adults can learn in a few months: start with the alphabet and a Qaida book, practice 15 minutes daily, and read to a teacher.
Read the full answer →Can I write notes or highlight in my Quran?
Yes, most scholars allow notes and highlights for learning, as long as you don't write over the Arabic text itself. Keep a study copy.
Read the full answer →Where should I keep the Quran at home?
It depends on your home: keep the Quran somewhere clean, raised and easy to reach, like a shelf, not on the floor or in the bathroom.
Read the full answer →Can I put the Quran on the floor?
No, it's best to keep a printed Quran off the floor out of respect. Accidents or brief necessity aren't sinful; use a stand.
Read the full answer →How much Quran should I read every day?
It depends on you: there's no fixed amount. Read what you can keep up daily, even a few verses. Consistency beats quantity.
Read the full answer →