Is it permissible to underline translations of Qur'an in the mushaf?
The question of whether it is permissible to underline translations of the Qur'an in the mushaf has differing views among scholars from Sunni and Shia traditions.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the Qur'an is described as a glorious Qur'an.
85:21 This emphasizes the Qur'an's nobility and the respect it commands. As such, scholars generally advise that any physical alterations, such as underlining, should be approached with caution to maintain the respect and sanctity of the text. Additionally, a related verse states: By the Scripture which maketh plain,
43:2 which highlights the importance of the Qur'an as a clear guidance.
In Shia scholarship, the view is somewhat more permissive. For instance, according to a narration in Al-Kafi, when asked about someone who reads the Qur'an from the mushaf while not being in a state of wudu, it was stated, There is no harm, and there is no prohibition in touching the Book.
Al-Kafi 1:242 This suggests a more lenient approach toward handling the mushaf and, by extension, may imply that underlining translations could be permissible as long as it is done respectfully.
In conclusion, while Sunni scholars generally advise against physical alterations to maintain the Qur'an's sanctity, Shia scholars may allow such practices with a respectful intention. For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
-
85:21 · Al-Burooj
85:21 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
بَلْ هُوَ قُرْءَانٌۭ مَّجِيدٌۭ
Nay, but it is a glorious Qur'an.
-
43:2 · Az-Zukhruf
43:2 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَٱلْكِتَٰبِ ٱلْمُبِينِ
By the Scripture which maketh plain,
-
Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 85:21
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 85:21
Allah Almighty informs us about His believing servants that they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, contrasting sharply with the blazing fire and hell prepared for their enemies. This is why He says: "That is the great triumph." This signifies the immense success and victory awaiting the faithful. Then He states: "Indeed, the might of your Lord is severe." This means that Allah's power and punishment against His adversaries—those who denied His messengers and opposed His commands—is intense, overwhelming, and formidable. He is the One of perfect strength and firmness, who accomplishes whatever He wills in the blink of an eye or even faster. Hence He says: "Indeed, He is the Originator and the Restorer," indicating that by His absolute power and ability, He initiates creation and repeats it just as He began it, without any obstacle or hindrance. He is also described as "the Forgiving, the Loving," meaning He pardons the sins of those who repent and humble themselves before Him, regardless of the magnitude of their wrongdoing. Regarding "the Loving," Ibn Abbas and others explained this to mean "the Beloved." Mentioning "Owner of the Throne, the Glorious," the phrase has two variant readings: one attributing majesty to the Lord Himself, the other describing the Throne; both interpretations are correct. "Doer of what He intends" underscores that whatever Allah decides to enact happens invariably; no one can reverse His decree nor question His actions. This is analogous to a narration from Abu Bakr as-Siddiq when ill, he was told, "Has the doctor seen you?" He replied, "Yes." When asked what was said, he answered, "He told me, ‘I do what I want.’" This exemplifies the absolute dominion and power of the Creator. Regarding the phrase: "Has there reached you the story of the soldiers—Pharaoh and Thamud?" this means: Have you been informed of the calamities Allah brought upon them and the punishment He sent that no one could avert? This clause reaffirms the previous statement about Allah’s severe grasp—when He seizes the wrongdoers, He does so with a painful, strong, and mighty hold. Ibn Abi Hatim reported from Amr ibn Maymun who said the Prophet ﷺ once passed by a woman reciting this verse, and he stood to listen, replying, "Yes, it has reached me." The phrase "But those who disbelieve are in denial" means they remain doubtful, unbelieving, and stubborn. "And Allah is enveloping them from behind" means Allah has full power over them; they cannot escape or frustrate Him. Further, "No, it is a glorious Qur’an, in a preserved tablet" signifies that this great and noble scripture is kept safe in a protected register, free from additions, omissions, distortions, or changes. Ibn Jarir narrated from Amr ibn Ali, who narrated from Qurra ibn Sulaiman, from Harb ibn Surayj, from Abdulaziz ibn Suhayb, from Anas ibn Malik regarding this verse, explaining that the "Preserved Tablet" is near the face of Israfil (the angel). Ibn Abi Hatim also reported that Abu Salih narrated from Mu’awiya ibn Salih that Abu al-Ays, Abd al-Rahman ibn Salman, said nothing Allah decrees—whether the Qur’an or what came before or after it—is absent from the Preserved Tablet. This Tablet is between the eyes of Israfil and is not permitted to be looked upon. Al-Hasan al-Basri said that the Glorious Qur’an with Allah is in a Preserved Tablet. From this, He sends down what He wills to whomever He wills among His creatures. Al-Baghawi narrated from the path of Ishaq ibn Bishr, who reported from Mujahid, from Ibn Abbas that the Tablet’s front bears the inscription: "There is no god but Allah alone, His religion is Islam, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. Whoever believes in Allah, confirms His promises, and follows His messengers will enter Paradise." The Tablet is made of a white pearl, its length is from heaven to earth, its breadth from east to west, its edges of pearl and ruby, its two covers of red rubies, its pen is light, its words are bound with the Throne, and its origin is in the presence of an angel. Muqatil said the Preserved Tablet is to the right of the Throne. Al-Tabarani related a hadith from Ibn Abbas where the Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah created a Preserved Tablet of white pearl, its pages are of red ruby, its pen is light, and its writing is light. Every day, sixty thousand moments occur in which He creates, provides sustenance, causes death and life, exalts and humiliates, and does what He wills." This concludes the tafsir of Surah Al-Buruj.
-
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.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →