Reading the Quran is an act of worship and a source of guidance for every Muslim—men and women alike. However, Islamic scholars have discussed specific conditions and etiquettes related to purity, menstruation, hijab, and recitation, especially for women.
This article explains these rulings clearly and practically, drawing directly from the Quran, authentic Hadith, and classical scholarly opinions, while addressing common real-life questions Muslim women ask today.
1. Conditions for Women Reading the Quran
1.1 Purity from Major Impurity (Janabah, Menstruation, Nifas)
The majority of scholars hold that a woman must be pure from major ritual impurity (ḥadath akbar) if she wishes to recite the Quran.
They base this on the narration of Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه):
Arabic Hadith:
«كان رسولُ اللهِ ﷺ يَقْضي حاجَتَه، ثم يخرج فيقرأُ القرآنَ، ويأكلُ معنا اللحمَ، ولم يكن يَحجُبُه عن القرآنِ شيءٌ ليس الجنابةَ»
English Translation:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would relieve himself, then come out and recite the Quran and eat meat with us. Nothing prevented him from reciting the Quran except janabah.”
Reference: Musnad Ahmad, graded Hasan by Shuʿayb al-Arna’ut (Hadith no. 840)
Some scholars understood this narration as dislike (karāhah) rather than prohibition—especially concerning menstruation—since no explicit text forbids a menstruating woman from reciting the Quran.
Maliki Position (Important Exception)
The Maliki school permits a menstruating woman to recite the Quran without touching the mushaf, particularly to prevent forgetfulness.
Reference: IslamWeb, Maliki Fiqh rulings (2013)
Scholarly insight:
In teaching thousands of female students online, we’ve seen how this Maliki view provides balance—preserving connection with the Quran while respecting scholarly diversity.
1.2 Minor Impurity (Wudu)
Scholars unanimously allow Quran recitation without wudu, based on this narration:
Arabic Hadith:
«رأى النبي ﷺ بالَ ثم تلا شيئًا من القرآن قبل أن يمس ماءً»
English Translation:
“The Prophet ﷺ urinated, then recited some verses of the Quran before touching water.”
Reference: Musnad Ahmad (18074), authentic (Ṣaḥīḥ li-ghayrih)
1.3 Touching the Mushaf
It is not permissible to touch the physical Quran without purity, based on Allah’s statement:
Arabic Verse:
﴿إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ﴾
English Translation:
“Indeed, it is a noble Quran, in a protected book—none touch it except the purified.”
Reference: Surah Al-Waqi‘ah (56:77–79)
1.4 Recommended Etiquette: Using the Siwak
Arabic Hadith:
«إذا قام أحدكم يصلي من الليل فليستك…»
English Translation:
“When one of you stands for prayer at night, let him use the siwak…”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (720), graded authentic by Al-Albani
2. Issues Related to Women Reading the Quran
2.1 Reading Quran Aloud in Front of Non-Mahram Men
This is permissible under two conditions:
✔ Condition 1: No Fear of Temptation
The woman should recite in a normal, non-softened voice, avoiding emotional tone.
Allah says:
Arabic Verse:
﴿فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ…﴾
English Translation:
“Do not soften your speech, lest the one in whose heart is disease should desire.”
Reference: Surah Al-Ahzab (33:32)
The voice of a woman is not ‘awrah—the Sahabah learned directly from the wives of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ Condition 2: Genuine Need
Such as teaching, learning, or public recitation for benefit.
2.2 Listening to the Quran During Menstruation
Listening is fully permissible, based on the narration of Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
Arabic Hadith:
«كان النبي ﷺ يتكئ في حجري وأنا حائض ثم يقرأ القرآن»
English Translation:
“The Prophet ﷺ would recline in my lap while I was menstruating and recite the Quran.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhari (297)
2.3 Reading Quran Without Hijab
There is no obligation to wear hijab while reciting Quran in private. However, scholars recommend covering the head as an act of respect, not obligation.
There is no Quranic verse, Hadith, or consensus requiring hijab for recitation.
A Gentle Invitation to Learn More
For many sisters, understanding these rulings deepens confidence and consistency in Quran recitation. If you’d like structured guidance—tajweed, understanding, and regular revision—our one-on-one online Quran classes for sisters are designed to fit real lives, busy schedules, and different Madhhab preferences.
Learning the Quran correctly is not about perfection—it’s about continuity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a woman read the Quran during menstruation?
Yes, according to some scholars—especially the Maliki school—she may recite without touching the mushaf.
Q2: Is wudu required to read the Quran?
Wudu is not required for recitation, but it is required to touch the physical Quran.
Q3: Can a woman listen to the Quran while menstruating?
Yes, listening is unanimously permitted.
Q4: Is hijab mandatory when reading the Quran?
No. It is recommended for respect, not obligatory.
Q5: Can women read Quran aloud in front of men?
Yes, if there is no temptation and a valid need exists.
Can a woman read the Quran during menstruation?
Some scholars allow recitation without touching the mushaf, especially in the Maliki school.
Is wudu required to read the Quran?
Wudu is not required for recitation but is required to touch the physical Quran.
Can women read Quran aloud in front of men?
Yes, if done respectfully, without temptation, and for a valid reason.