I hold the Holy Quran in deep reverence. Did you know that over 80% of Muslims believe that easy access to the sacred text is vital? I want you to know that your questions matter.
Today, we explore the delicate balance between commerce and faith. You may wonder, “is it haram to sell quran?” I promise to offer clear guidance that respects our word of Allah and meets practical needs.
Keynote: Is It Haram to Sell Quran?
No, selling the Quran is not haram when done respectfully. Most scholars permit selling physical copies to cover production costs and enhance accessibility. Follow ethical guidelines and ensure proper handling to maintain its sanctity.
Understanding Key Terms: Haram, Sanctity, and Commerce
In Islam, “haram” means what Allah forbids. I know you value honesty and integrity in every transaction. Islamic fiqh, derived from the Holy Quran and authentic hadith, guides us on what is allowed.
The Holy Quran is seen as the literal word of Allah—a divine message revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Arabic. Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56:77-79) tells us, “Indeed, it is a noble Quran… none touch it except the purified.” This verse reminds every Muslim to treat the Qur’an with utmost respect.
Ethical commerce is a cornerstone of Islam. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah advises, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.” I believe that fair buying and selling are essential. You deserve a clear explanation that blends reverence for the divine with practical business sense.
Is Selling the Quran Permissible? Scholarly Views
Major Schools of Thought Compared
Islamic scholars have long debated the sale of Mushafs, the physical copies of the Holy Quran. The majority view among scholars like those in the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools is that selling Mushafs is permitted. They stress that transactions cover production costs and ensure that the word of Allah remains accessible to every Muslim.
Some Shafi’i scholars find the practice makruh (disliked) because they worry about turning a sacred text into a commodity. In contrast, the Hanbali school forbids such sales, arguing that selling the Quran may commodify what is meant to be a divine treasure.
Prominent scholars, including Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, have said, “If we say it’s haram, people won’t get the Quran.” The messenger’s teachings remind us: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027).
Below is a table that compares these scholarly opinions:
| School of Thought | Ruling on Selling the Quran | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i | Permitted | Facilitates accessibility |
| Some Shafi’i Scholars | Discouraged (Makruh) | Concerns about commercialization |
| Hanbali | Prohibited | Viewed as commodifying sacred text |
The historical practice shows that Muslim communities, from India to Canada and even in the UK, have used the sale of Mushafs to fund the production and distribution of the Arabic mushaf. This approach respects the sanctity of the Quran while addressing practical needs.
Rules for Respectful Quran Sales
I want you to know that selling the Quran is not just a business transaction. It comes with deep responsibilities and conditions that protect its sanctity. First, intentions matter. Your goal should be to spread the divine message rather than profit from the word of Allah. As highlighted in Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5), sincerity in religion is paramount.
Respect is essential. Buyers must handle the Holy Quran with the utmost care. You should never market it as a decorative item or sell damaged copies. The Arabic text of the Quran deserves honor, and every Muslim is urged to treat it as such.
Furthermore, copies designated as waqf (endowments) must never be sold. A well-known hadith (Sahih Bukhari 2764) reminds us of the importance of keeping endowed property free from commercial use. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Do:
- Price fairly to cover production and distribution costs.
- Vet buyers to ensure respectful handling.
- Prioritize sales through reputable Islamic centers and bookstores.
- Don’t:
- Sell damaged or defective copies.
- Market the Quran as merely a commodity without emphasizing its sacred message.
These guidelines ensure that the business side of selling the Quran aligns with our values as Muslims, protecting both the physical mushaf and its divine essence.
Addressing Confusion and Guilt
Many of you have wondered if selling the Quran means selling Allah’s literal words. I want to clarify that you are not selling the divine content but rather the physical materials—paper, ink, and binding—that hold the word of Allah. This distinction is crucial.
Another common misconception is linked to Quran 2:79. This verse warns against altering scripture for personal gain. It does not condemn the lawful sale of a well-produced, authentic copy of the Holy Quran. When you sell a mushaf, you cover the costs of production and support further dissemination of the divine guidance.
I understand that feelings of guilt can arise when you think of profiting from something so sacred. However, many scholars across Islamic history have recognized that fair commerce helps spread the teachings of Islam. By ensuring that the Holy Quran is accessible, you honor the legacy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and support ethical practices within Islamic commerce.
Modern Context: Apps, Translations, and Services
We live in a digital age. Modern Muslims have embraced technology to share the teachings of the Quran. Selling translations is generally acceptable because they are interpretations of the Arabic text. The original Arabic mushaf holds a unique status, but translations allow non-Arabic speakers to benefit from Allah’s message.
Digital services have also flourished. You see online classes, mobile apps, and virtual tutoring sessions that provide Islamic teachings. These digital ventures are considered halal because they charge for the service—not the sacred text itself. Such services also help fund free distribution projects, especially during Ramadan and other special times when Muslims seek spiritual growth.
For example, many Islamic centers in the UK, India, and Canada now use digital platforms to reach Muslims worldwide. These platforms respect the sanctity of the Holy Quran and ensure that every copy, whether physical or digital, is handled with honor. In doing so, they promote ethical business practices aligned with our faith.
Ethical earning in this modern context can also support charitable initiatives. Some profits fund the distribution of free copies of the Quran to new Muslims or communities in need. Remember the hadith, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him” (Sahih Muslim 1631). This hadith reminds you that actions supporting education and charity have lasting value.
Alternatives to Selling: Sharing with Respect
If you feel uneasy about selling the Quran, there are respectful alternatives. These options allow you to share the divine message without compromising its sanctity. Consider these creative alternatives:
- Donate or Gift: Offer copies to mosques, libraries, or new Muslims. This gesture shows generosity and respect.
- Community Initiatives: Organize free Quran distribution drives or support translation projects that spread the word of Allah.
- Recycle Responsibly: Dispose of damaged copies through proper channels, such as burial or returning them to Islamic centers.
These alternatives promote the ethical treatment of the Holy Quran while ensuring that its teachings reach those who seek them. Whether you are a Muslim in Canada, India, the UK, or elsewhere, these options let you share the guidance of Prophet Muhammad and the word of Allah with care.
Conclusion: Balancing Commerce and Reverence
I want you to remember that commerce and reverence can coexist when done with sincerity. Most scholars agree that selling the Quran is permissible if the intention is pure and the process respectful. Our tradition teaches us to honor the Holy Quran while meeting practical needs. As Allah tells us in Surah Al-Isra (17:9), “Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable.” The messenger’s wisdom reminds us of our duty to learn and teach the divine word.
Your journey in upholding respect for the sacred text while engaging in ethical commerce is a delicate one. Reflect on this balance and consult local scholars and imams for personal guidance. In your heart, consider the question “[is it haram to sell quran]” not as a barrier, but as a call to ensure that every transaction honors the divine word, respects Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, and preserves the eternal guidance of Islam.
Selling Quran Haram or Halal (FAQs)
Is selling Islamic books haram?
Scholarly opinions generally permit selling Islamic books to cover production costs and facilitate knowledge distribution. Most Islamic scholars agree that ethical trade practices respect sacred content. The sale supports knowledge dissemination and community initiatives.
Is it permissible to order Quran online?
Ordering the Quran online is generally permissible with proper vendor credibility and respect for sacred guidelines. Digital platforms provide authenticated copies with quality assurance and adherence to Islamic norms. Consumers should verify vendor reviews and certifications before ordering.