Is it permissible to write (depict) Qur'anic verses on household items?

The Qur'an is the word of Allah and the sacred book of Muslims. Honoring the Qur'an and the symbols of the Sharia is a duty for every Muslim. Whoever respects the Qur'an, respects Allah; whoever belittles it, belittles Allah.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

ذَلِكَ وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ

“That is so. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” [1]

‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Honor the Qur'an.” [2]

As for writing some verses of the Qur'an on dishes or utensils, the ruling depends on the intention. If the purpose is to disrespect the Qur'an, it is prohibited, as this is considered disregarding and devaluing its sacredness. Muslims must honor, respect, and preserve the Qur'an, and should prevent anything that could lead to its disrespect.

There are sufficient reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade writing the Qur'an on the ground, clothing, bedding, pillows, and similar items. One such narration from ‘Amr ibn Shu‘ayb states:

“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade writing the Qur'an on the ground.” [3]

The reason is that everyone walks on the ground, so the Qur'an written there could be trampled, which is disrespectful to the Qur'an. This is considered a major sin [4].

Scholars have even stated that, out of fear of disrespect, it is makruh (disliked) to write Qur'anic verses on clothing or money, even if there is no intention of disrespect.

Kamal ibn Humam said: “It is makruh to write the Qur'an or the names of Allah on dirhams, mihrabs, walls, or carpets.” [5]

In the book “Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya”: “Some scholars allowed writing the Qur'an on walls, while others considered it makruh out of fear that, if the wall collapses, the verses might end up underfoot.” [6]

Ash-Shirbini said: “It is makruh to write the Qur'an on walls—even in mosques—as well as on clothing, food, etc.” [7]

The prohibition by scholars on writing the Qur'an on walls is due to the risk of it being disrespected. However, if there is no risk of disrespect, especially if the intention is for blessing or healing, then it is not prohibited.

Nevertheless, no one can guarantee that dishes or household items with Qur'anic verses will not be disrespected, left scattered around the house, or played with by children. Therefore, writing Qur'anic verses on dishes or household items is not considered appropriate.

• [1] Surah Al-Hajj, 32

• [2] Tafsir al-Qurtubi, 1/29.

• [3] Ibn Batta, “Al-Ibana”, 5/325. Al-Mustaghfiri, “Fada'il al-Qur'an”, 1/200.

• [4] Abu ‘Ubayd Qasim ibn Sallam, “Fada'il al-Qur'an”, 121.

• [5] Fath al-Qadir, 1/173.

• [6] Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/323.

• [7] Al-Iqna‘, 1/254.