Giving the Qur'aan to a non-Muslim to study

Q: Prohibitions and Permissible-37: Can a copy of the Qur'aan be Given to non-Muslim of they request for one to study? Can they hold it without wudhu and Ghusl when they are not constrained to follow the Shari'ah?"

Answer: It is permissible to give a copy of the Qur'aan to a non-Muslim when one is confident that he will not show disrespect for it. S/he will perhaps be guided towards Islaam through it. The person should however be told that it is the word of Allaah and that s/he should perform Ghusl and wudhu before touching it. S/he should also be taught how to perform wudhu and Ghusl. This will also develop their reverence for the Qur'aan.

Although non-Muslims are not constrained to follow the Shari'ah, it is necessary for us to ensure that the Qur'aan is revered. In fact. the Ahadeeth prohibit us from even carrying the Qur'aan to a non-Muslim country when one fears that disrespect will be shown to it.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3