If a Quran is still readable, preserve, repair, or pass it on before considering disposal.
When a physical Arabic mushaf is too worn to use, ask a trusted mosque or Muslim scholar how your tradition handles it.
Islamic legal guidance agrees on protecting Quranic text from disrespect, but scholars and schools describe more than one respectful method. Local advice can also account for fire, burial, and waste laws.
Check Whether the Copy Is Still Usable
A loose binding, torn cover, or a few detached pages may be repairable. Ask a bookbinder or mosque before deciding that the copy cannot be used.
If it remains readable, offer it to family, friends, a mosque, an Islamic school, a chaplaincy, or a prison ministry. Ask before leaving or mailing it.
Some institutions already have enough copies or accept only particular editions and languages. A confirmed recipient keeps the book from becoming another unwanted donation.
Ask About the Type of Text
A physical mushaf containing the Arabic Quran may receive different handling from a translation, commentary, worksheet, or electronic device. Ask a knowledgeable local authority instead of assuming one rule covers everything.
If the book belongs to a mosque, school, library, or another person, return it to the owner. Don’t dispose of an endowed or borrowed copy yourself.
Keep loose pages together and protected while you arrange the next step. Don’t place them in an open recycling bin or where text can scatter.
Questions for a Mosque or Scholar
You can say: “I have a Quran that is [usable/damaged/unreadable]. It contains [Arabic text/translation/commentary]. Does your mosque accept it or recommend a local respectful method?”
- Can it be repaired or donated?
- Does the mosque have a collection program?
- Which scholarly opinion does the community follow?
- Who should handle an unusable copy?
- What local fire, burial, or waste rules matter?
Why You May Hear Different Methods
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta says a readable mushaf shouldn’t be burned. It permits burning a copy that has become physically unfit for recitation when the purpose is protecting its sanctity.
Its detailed 2022 ruling also describes wrapping and burial or fine shredding followed by burial or burning. The ruling notes differences among legal schools while emphasizing the shared purpose of preventing disrespect.
That is one named Sunni authority, not a universal instruction for every Muslim community. Your mosque or scholar may prefer collection, secure storage, burial, or another recognized practice.
Do Not Improvise a Disposal Method
Don’t put a book into a river, lake, drain, or ocean. Litter, ink, binding glue, coatings, and covers can conflict with environmental rules and water protection.
Don’t start an open fire when local rules prohibit it or when the binding contains plastic, coated material, or unknown components. A mosque collection avoids those problems.
Don’t bury anything on mosque grounds, cemetery land, public property, or someone else’s land without permission. The landowner and local rules still apply.
A home shredder may leave readable words and mixed binding material. Use shredding only when your chosen religious guidance and local disposal route explain how the resulting pieces are handled.
Store It Safely While You Decide
Place the copy in a clean, dry spot where pages won’t scatter or suffer more damage. A box or protective wrapping can help during a short wait.
Permanent storage works only when someone can continue caring for it. Moving the issue to an attic, empty building, or cave doesn’t create a responsible handoff.
If the item is a general book without Quranic Arabic text, our guide to disposing of old books covers donation and material-based options.