fs@rex.cs.tulane.edu (Frank Silbermann) (12/06/89)
I remember reading something to the effect that non-Muslims are forbidden to touch the Koran. Is this _all_ non-Muslims, or just idolators? Is this _any_ copy of the Koran, even translations, or merely certain special copies? I have no immediate plans to read the Koran, but I do have a few Muslim friends. I would not want to commit any accidental offense. Frank Silbermann fs@rex.cs.tulane.edu
naim@eecs.nwu.edu (Naim Abdullah) (12/06/89)
Frank Silberman writes: >I remember reading something to the effect >that non-Muslims are forbidden to touch the Koran. >Is this _all_ non-Muslims, or just idolators? >Is this _any_ copy of the Koran, even translations, >or merely certain special copies? There is no such prohibition. Muslims believe that the Quran came for the guidance of *all* humankind. Everybody is encouraged read it. However, the Quran tells muslims not to pray when drunk or when they have had sexual intercourse (4:43). One is required to bathe before they can pray again. I believe that a similar restriction would be applicable about touching or reading the Quran. As it says in the Quran (5:6), "God does not want to place any inconvenience on you, but He does want to purify you and to complete His favour towards you, in order that you may be grateful." So whether you are a muslim or a non-muslim, go ahead and touch and read the Quran all you want, as long as you keep in mind the above restrictions. Naim