You cannot recite the Qur'an without ghusl if in a state of major impurity; ghusl is essential for achieving the required purity for recitation.

Can i recite quran without ghusl

IN THIS ARTICLE  💬
SUMMARY 💡
  • You cannot recite the Qur'an without ghusl if in a state of major impurity; ghusl is essential for achieving the required purity for recitation.
  • Ghusl is a ritual bath that restores purity and is required for various acts of worship, including prayer and tawaf.
  • Specific conditions such as sexual intercourse, menstruation, and postnatal bleeding necessitate the performance of ghusl to return to a state of purity.
  • While in a state of impurity, individuals may make du’a using Qur'anic verses, but direct recitation of the Qur'an is not allowed until ghusl is performed.
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LAST UPDATED:
05 October 2025

can i recite quran without ghusl

No, you cannot recite the Qur'an without performing ghusl if you are in a state of major ritual impurity. Ghusl, the ritual bath, is necessary to return to a state of purity required for reciting the Qur'an, among other acts of worship such as prayer, entering the main prayer hall of a Masjid, and performing tawaf.

Understanding Ghusl and Its Necessity for Qur'anic Recitation

The Role of Ghusl in Achieving Purity

Ghusl, the major ritual bath, is essential when a person is in a state of major ritual impurity. This state requires cleansing through ghusl to restore purity, which is mandatory for acts like prayer and reciting the Qur'an. The integrals of a valid ghusl include rinsing the entire mouth once, rinsing the soft part of the nose once, and washing the entire body from head to toe.

Conditions Requiring Ghusl

Ghusl is obligatory in specific scenarios, such as the emission of sperm or sexual fluid, sexual intercourse, and the ending of menstruation or postnatal bleeding. These conditions lead to a state of major ritual impurity, making ghusl necessary before engaging in activities like Qur'anic recitation.

Reciting Qur'an in Major Impurity

In a state of major ritual impurity, a person cannot recite the Qur'an. However, making du’a using Qur'anic verses that contain supplications, such as the last two surahs, is permissible. This is an exception that allows for supplication without direct recitation of the Qur'an.

Handling the Qur'an While Impure

While in a state of impurity, one can hold the Qur'an if there is a barrier between the person and the Qur'an, provided the barrier is not permanently attached or worn like a sleeve. This ensures that the Qur'an is not directly touched while in an impure state.

Conclusion: Observing Purity Before Reciting Qur'an

To recite the Qur'an, one must be in a state of purity achieved through ghusl when in major ritual impurity. This requirement emphasizes the importance of maintaining both external and internal purity in Islamic worship practices. Observing these guidelines ensures that one engages with the Qur'an in a manner that respects its sanctity.

FAQs

Can I make du’a using Qur'anic verses in major impurity?

Yes, you can make du’a using Qur'anic verses that contain the meaning of supplication, such as the last two surahs, even in a state of major impurity.

What are the integrals of ghusl?

The integrals of ghusl include rinsing the mouth once, rinsing the soft part of the nose once, and washing the entire body from head to toe.

Is touching the Qur'an allowed while impure?

Touching the Qur'an is only permissible if there is a temporary barrier, such as a cloth, between the person and the Qur'an, ensuring it is not directly touched.

When is ghusl obligatory?

Ghusl is obligatory after the emission of sexual fluid, sexual intercourse, and the ending of menstruation or postnatal bleeding.

Do women need to undo braids for ghusl?

No, women do not need to undo braids for ghusl as long as the water reaches the roots of the hair.

SOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗

This opinion is based on Ascent to Felicity (Maraqi al-Saʿādat), a widely-respected manual of Islamic creed and Hanafi fiqh (jurisprudence) by the classical jurist Abu 'l-Ikhlāṣ al-Shurunbulālī, translated with notes by Faraz A. Khan.

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Our Scholars

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Sheikh Hilal Patel
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Sheikh Hilal Patel began his studies at Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Bury where he memorised the Qur'an & completed the Alimiyyah program.

He went on to complete the Ifta' Specialisation Program (the process of becoming a Mufti and have the ability to give fatwas) at the world-class Whitethread Institute.

Sheikh Hilal works for Whitethread's Fatwa Centre under Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera, Founder & Dean of Whitethread Institute and listed as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world.

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Sheikh Zayd Mehtar
FIQH EXPERT & scholar

Sheikh Zayd Mehtar memorised the Qur’an at a young age at Darul Uloom Bury and went on to master the ten modes of Qur’anic recitation (Qirā’āt).

He went on to complete advanced programmes in Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence at the world-class Whitethread Institute under Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera.

Sheikh Zayd has served as an imam for many years and is an experienced teacher of Islamic theology (ʿAqīdah), Qur’an, and Hadith, guiding students and communities in their understanding and practice of Islam

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5 common questions EVERY Muslim should know.
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Question 1 of 5Which of the following is a requirement for Ghusl to be valid?

Starting with Bismillah
Doing a complete wudu
Setting intention to do ghusl
Rinsing the nose
Wash the entire body 3x

Question 2 of 5Ahmed is from the UK and is visiting his family in Palestine for 3 weeks. How should he pray?

Shorten and combine prayers for the duration of the visit
Pray normally (not shorten or combine)
Shorten prayers up until 15 days then pray normally
Only shorten prayers during the journey. Pray normally upon arrival in Palestine.

Question 3 of 5What is the minimum distance a person must intend to travel to make them a traveller?

42 miles from their residence
42 miles outside their city boundary
48 miles from their residence
48 miles outside of their city boundary

Question 4 of 5You are a traveller according to Hanafi fiqh and are feeling energetic, how should you pray?

Pray the full four rakats
Shorten prayers to 2 rakats
Shorten prayers to 2 rakats and combine in one prayer time
Pray the full four rakats and sunnah prayers

Question 5 of 5You're praying salah at an airport and you lay your jacket with your wallet beside you. Your wallet only has £5 inside and you see someone taking your wallet. Can you break your salah to stop them?

Yes
No
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