Hanging verses of the Qur’an on walls
Question 434
What is the ruling of hanging the verses of the Qur’an on the walls as seen nowadays?
Answer:
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ was asked a similar question. They answered –
Firstly,
Allah (Exalted be He) has revealed the Qur’an as admonition and a healing for the ills of the hearts, and as guidance and mercy for the believers, and also to be a proof against mankind, leaving no excuse for disbelief. The Qur’an is the source of light and insight to those whom Allah has opened their hearts to it, who recite it, worship Allah through it, contemplate its meanings, learn from it the laws of belief, acts of worship and Islamic dealings, and adhere to it in all affairs.
The Qur’an has not been revealed to be hung on walls as decoration, or to be used as amulets and periapts in homes, stores, etc. For protection from fire, theft and similar mistaken beliefs held by some common people, especially those who follow Bid‘ahs (innovations in religion), and they are many now.
Thus, if a person uses the Qur’an for the purposes it was revealed for, then they are acting on clear evidence from their Lord, following guidance, and have insight. On the other hand, if a person writes Ayahs on tapestries, for example, to be used as wall decorations or amulets to protect the household, the furniture, or any other belongings, then they have used the Qur’an, its Ayahs, or Surahs in a wrong way and have deviated from the Straight Path.
Moreover, they have introduced into the religion acts that were not permitted by either Allah or His Messenger (peace be upon him), in his words or actions. This was not practiced by the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, the rest of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet – may Allah be pleased with them), or the Imams of guidance during the first three Muslim generations, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) described as the best of all generations.
Furthermore, the owners of such tapestries may subject the Ayahs or Surahs to humiliation, for example, if they move to another house and pile them among other furniture, or throw them away if they become worn out. All of this is not permissible. Muslims must preserve the Qur’an and its Ayahs, safeguard its sanctity, and do not subject it to any possible desecration.
Answered by :
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ with the chairman at that time being Shaykh ibn Baz rahimahullaah