Carrying Qur'an around?

Question

Asalaamu aleikum
Is it okay to take a translation of the Qur'an to school with me? I have free classes and I would like to read it, I know it would be unacceptable to take the Qur'an in Arabic with me, because of some haraam environments..
Also, I want to know if it's okay to put the Qur'an recitations in my i-pod.
thank you

thanks for the answers
p.s. I'm not in the USA, I just want to know if it would be Islamically acceptable.

Answer 1

Assalamu Alaikum
I would be ok carrying a Quran that had only the English text in it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable carrying the one with the Arabic script in it since one must be in Wudu to handle it. As far as the Ipod goes, yes I would definitely do that! Just don't walk into the bathroom with your Ipod playing it... just not respectful you know? Just a side note here - some people wear necklaces with Quranic verses on them etc... big no-no since you have to take it off to go into the bathroom every time. Not to mention, that some people actually think they are protected by that and that is definitely haram.

Answer 2

I'm Catholic, but I had a muslim friend, and she told me that The Qur'an was sacred and you had to be very "clean" to touch it, so I'd say not to carry an Arabic Copy around, but I know there is a difference if it's a translation, so knock your socks of with that. Have you talked with your folks about it? Do you read arabic and english? Good for you. I think it would be ok to put some recitations on your i pod, because things being recited can be heard by the faithful or by passers by, so I bet a different standard would be applied.

Answer 3

Certainly you can carry translation with you where ever you go. Prophet SAW told that one must be with Wudu to hold Quran with Arabic text for reading. Wudu is not required to recite surahs from your own memory. I suppose listening from I-Pod will also be like listening from your own memory. This is some thing for which i haven't decisions of scholars. They may have already or should discuss amongsts them and give their opinion. I am not a scholar of Islam. To be on safe side, it would be better to be with wudu and only you handle I-Pod. You can listen recitation through headrest or microphone on your ears connected to I-Pod in your purse. You don't need to take it out and let others know what you are listening avoiding their comments about Quran. See the first person already made a bad comment. I think this way it will be all right if you are even without wudu and not holding
I-POD in your hands.

Barkallah-o-Fih

Answer 4

Sister, wa alaikum salaam. It is indeed okay to take the translation of the Quran with you and it is also allowed per my knowledge to have it on your i-pod. Make sure you do not go around sharing it with your friends, without proper understanding of what many things mean, especially in the translations.

There is an oft cited verse from the Quran which says "do not take the Jews or christians as your friends. They are friends with each other.... " etc. In fact the translation does not give the context or the correct meaning of the word "WALI", which is popularly translated as "friend", when in this instance it is meant as a "protector, guardian or master". Indeed all friends are supposed to be your protector or guardian, but it has an implication of such a friend being superior to you. For example the father is a wali of people. The Almighty is also called the wali in many cases.

The actual context of the verse was with regard to some of the weaker Muslim tribes who were choosing the stronger Jewish tribes for protection in preference over wealer Muslim tribes, thinking the Jewish tribes will provide them better protection against the Arab pagans who were after the lives of Muslims or anyone who provided them protection. The chances were even if the Jewish tribes did provide protection, before long they will have to look after their own interests, rather than risking their own property and lives for the sake of the Muslims. When that would take place, then the Jewish tribes would probably choose the pagans who were in large numbers and stronger, as that would serve their interests. Thus it was better to keep them neutral for their own good as well as the good of the Muslims. If they did become a party (as they eventually did), it was feared they would choose the stronger side for self preservation reasons, which is precisely what happened later.

Here the Quran directs Muslims to join hands with each other and be self reliant, and not prefer others to Muslims. There is no harm in forming friendships with Jews or Christians, however, it should not be at the expense them coming int harm for the sake of Muslims, as eventually that will back fire.

All this is never clear unless one knows the history and the context of the verse. Some person may read this verse and think less of you and the Quran and Muslims. Thus if you bring the Quran's translation, friends may wish to read it, and then ask you to explain things. Unless you know the truth, it will put you in an awkward situation. If you do not know and you let them read it, then too it will put you in an awkward position as some verses out of context seem worded in strong terms, especially if you are reading Book 9 or Surah-e-Taubah, which begins without the announcement of mercy.

If you feel these may not be issues that you have to deal with, technically there is no harm in bringing the Quran's translation or even the Arabic version if you are clean and no one touches the pages of the Quran.

One more thing.. the fact seldom discussed these days is that the Prophet himself had both Jewish and Christian friends and acquintances, and with some of whom he had long term relationships, such as Najashi, the Christian King of Ethiopia or some of the Jewish tribes in Medina.

There were Jewish families living in Medina itself, and the Prophet and his family used to attend their weddings, funerals etc. In fact the Prophet had taught that if you see the funeral procession of a non-Muslim is coming on the street (they used to carry the dead bodies on shoulders in those days and still do in some areas), the rule is stand up in respect, and if the people need help, carry the dead body. In the case of a Muslim funeral is coming along, it is required for all males to walk with the funeral procession for forty steps and carry the body part of the way.

Sorry for the long drawn answer, but it was important to fully answer your question. Wassalaam.

Answer 5

Wa'lakumussalam, there is nothing wrong to bring the Arabic Qur'an along with you, as long as it is not willfully neglected eg by putting it in dirty places .. and the recitations in the digital format is somewhat non-physical form and I wouldnt think theres any problem putting it in your ipod.

Answer 6

This is america. Read it and be proud. Too many people judge islam without knowing anything about it. Do be careful because some people are so preprogrammed to dislike it that they may give you a hard time.

Answer 7

If you are in America, you can bring whatever religious literature you want to school with you, providing you attend a public school. That's what freedom of religion is all about.

Answer 8

are you talking about as far as ismalic law? or do you mean a genral school rule?

if you mean a school rule id encourge it. there may be a fear of muslims in america but i dont think any harm would come to you, most kids would want to know more about your religon.

i know i would if i was still in high school

Answer 9

As Salaamu Alaykum,

That is definitely something I would do. I have never heard anything that said it is Haram so go for it.

May Allah increase me & you in knowledge.

Ma'a Salaamah

Answer 10

of course, i hold an arabic w/ english translation around.