Can Non-Muslim read Qur'an without wudu?
According to the Islamic teachings regarding the recitation of the Qur'an, there are differing views among scholars about whether a non-Muslim can read the Qur'an without being in a state of wudu (ritual purity).
In the Shia perspective, it is stated that there is no prohibition against someone reading the Qur'an from the mushaf while not being in a state of wudu. Specifically, Al-Kafi mentions: There is no harm, and there is no prohibition in touching the Book.
Al-Kafi 1:242. This indicates that, from this viewpoint, even those not in a state of ritual purity can read the Qur'an.
On the other hand, Sunni scholars generally emphasize the importance of being in a state of wudu when handling the Qur'an, particularly for Muslims. However, there isn't a consensus that explicitly prohibits non-Muslims from reading it without wudu, as the focus is primarily on the conduct of Muslims.
Thus, while some scholars advocate for the purity requirement, others like in the Shia tradition provide a more lenient view for non-Muslims regarding the recitation of the Qur'an.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 1:242
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 242
Patience is the foundation of faith. — OR — I asked him about someone who reads the Quran from the mus'haf while not being in wudu’ state. He said, "There is no harm, and there is no prohibition in touching the Book." — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about the charity that is forbidden for the sons of Hashim; what is it? He said, "It is the zakat." I said, "Is charity permissible for some of them to give to some of the others?" He said, "Yes." — OR — I asked him about the words of Allah, the Mighty and Glorious: 'And who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah or says: It has been revealed to me, and nothing has been revealed to him?' He said: This was revealed about Ibn Abi Sarh, whom Uthman appointed over Egypt. He was among those whose blood the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) shed on the day of the conquest of Mecca, and he wrote for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family). When Allah the Almighty revealed the verse: "Indeed, Allah is Knowing, Wise," he would say to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family): "Leave it; indeed Allah is Knowing, Wise." Ibn Abi Sarh said to the hypocrites, "I say from myself what he brings; it does not affect me." So Allah revealed about him the verse which He revealed.
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