['Aalim Network QR] Arabic Calligraphy

["Akil M. Karim" <amk@ican.net>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun 'Alaykum

The following question was kindly answered by Dr. Takim.


Fee Amaanillah,

Akil Karim
Moderator - 'Aalim Network

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
 
QUESTION:

Ja'ffari News (JN) has adopted for its covers the design of displaying the
various calligraphic designs, arts and scripts that exist for the
Arabic/Islamic scriptures. Some designs and artwork are embellished by the
Editor. I have a concern regarding the Islamic content of JN covers. Many
people who do not have wudhu touch the front cover and such material should
not be on the front cover as I have heard that it is haram to touch the
names of Allah, qur'anic ayats, and the names of the masomeen without wudhu. 

A similar concern was also recently discussed at a ladies' function, here in 
Toronto, regarding wearing of Qur'anic ayats (e.g. ayat-ul-Qursi) or names 
(Allah) or names of the panjetan (e.g. Ali, Fatema etc.) on pendants or 
bracelets.  There are of course times of the day or the month when a lady is not 
tahir and the concern about these names or ayats touching their body raises 
similar questions to those about the JN cover.

Please help shed some light on this.
 

ANSWER

It is important to remember that it is haram to touch Qur'anic verses, the
names of Allah and the names the Ma'sumin if one is not in a state of
taharat. If Ja'ffari News contains some calligraphy which are not part of
the above, then it is o.k. to touch them without being in a state of taharat.

An additional problem with having a magazine with Qur'anic names or names of 
Allah/ma'sumin is that one has to be careful how one disposes of it. It
cannot be put in a garbage can nor be disposed in a manner which would show
disrespect.

Similarly, wearing of these names/verses would be problematic if they touch
the person and s/he is not in a state of taharat.

And Allah knows best

Your brother in Islam

Liyakatali Takim