Question

Assalaamu alaikum

Are we allowed to dispose of old Islamic literature especially old worn-out Quraanic texts, Hadith texts, books of scholars, Islamic articles in public newspapers, and what is the correct method of disposal? 

Jazakallah Khairan

Answer

Wa alaykumussalam.

The correct method of disposal is burying in a safe place. Many people burn old worn-out Qur’ans and other Islamic books, which is most definitely not the respectful and correct manner of disposal. Rather, one should bury the Qur’an and other Islamic texts in a place where people will not step on it.

It is stated in Fatawa Ridawiyyah:

“It is not permissible to burn the Qur’an, as stipulated in al-Durr al-Mukhtar. Instead, it should be buried in a safe place where people will not step on it.” [Fatawa Ridawiyyah 23:376]

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah:

“If the Qur’an becomes old and unravelled, and no longer in a state that one can recite from it, and there is also a risk of its pages becoming detached and thus lost, then it should be draped in a clean cloth and buried in a safe place. When burying it, a Lahd (side pocket in the grave) should be made, so that no soil falls on it. One can also place a plank over it creating a roof and then throw in the soil, so that the soil does not fall on it. If the Qur’an becomes worn-out, it should not be burned.” [Bahar e Shari’ah with reference to al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah 5:323].

And Allah knows best. 

Muhammad Kalim 
5th Muharram al-Haram 1437AH

This answer is sufficient and correct and Allah knows best.