Someone presented research to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, comprising of quotations of various experts of jurisprudence (fiqh) and other scholars, with regard to holding the written copy of the Holy Quran and reciting from it or from computers, iPads and other electronic devices during menstruation. The person requested Huzooraa to provide guidance on the issue.
Huzooraa, in his letter dated 5 October 2018, gave the following reply:
“There is a difference of opinion regarding this matter among fuqaha [jurists] and other scholars. Esteemed elders of the faith have also expressed various opinions regarding this matter based on their understanding of the Quran.
“In light of the Holy Quran, the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa and the sayings of the Promised Messiahas, my stance on this matter is that during menstruation, a woman can repeat the previously memorised portions of the Holy Quran by way of zikr [i.e. remembrance and reflection in her heart].
“Moreover, if necessary, she can also hold the Holy Quran using a clean piece of cloth and can read out a portion of the Holy Quran in order to provide someone a reference or to teach the Holy Quran to children. However, she cannot recite it in the regular manner.
“Likewise, she is not allowed to recite the Holy Quran regularly during menstruation using computers etc. even though she would not be physically holding the Holy Quran. However, she can read the Holy Quran on computers etc., for instance, to search for a reference or to provide someone with a reference. There is no issue with that.”