Short answer
Yes, a non-Muslim may read and study the Quran, and Muslims are encouraged to share its message. Touching the Arabic mushaf is different: the Hanafi school says a non-Muslim should not be handed it, though Imam Muhammad allowed it after they take a bath. Giving a translation, or a Quran app, is the usual solution.
Teaching a non-Muslim the Quran and its meaning is permissible, in hope of guidance. A non-Muslim is kept from touching the Arabic mushaf; Imam Muhammad permitted it if he first washes his whole body (ghusl). A translation without the full Arabic text does not take the rule of the mushaf.
Other madhhabs
- Shafi'i
- A non-Muslim may not be given a mushaf to keep or touch; he may hear the Quran and be taught it if there is hope he will accept Islam.
- Maliki
- Forbids giving the mushaf to a non-Muslim to touch.
- Hanbali
- Forbids a non-Muslim from touching the mushaf, while allowing him to hear it.
Explanation
The Quran is addressed to all of humanity. Allah tells the Prophet ﷺ that if a polytheist seeks protection, he should be granted it "so that he may hear the words of Allah" (9:6). He also wrote ayat of the Quran (3:64) in his letter to Heraclius, the Christian emperor of Rome. So reading, listening to and studying the Quran is open to everyone, Christians, Jews and people of no faith.
Touching the Arabic mushaf. Because a person without purity may not touch the mushaf (56:79), the scholars hold that a non-Muslim, who is not in a state of ritual purity, should not be handed the Arabic mushaf to hold. In the Hanafi school Imam Muhammad allowed it once he has bathed. The Prophet ﷺ also forbade travelling with the mushaf into enemy land, out of fear it would be dishonoured.
In practice:
- Give a friend a good translation with commentary, or point them to an app or website.
- If they ask for a copy with Arabic, explain how Muslims handle it; many are happy to respect that.
- Do not argue or make them feel unwelcome. The aim is that they hear the message.
A Quran translation without the Arabic text is not a mushaf: see touching a translation. For more on dialogue, see can Muslims read the Bible and Islam and Christianity.
The evidence
Quran, Surah At-Tawba 9:6
وَإِنْ أَحَدٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ٱسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَٰمَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُۥ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌۭ لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٦﴾
And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.
Non-Muslims are to be given the chance to hear the Quran.
Quran, Surah Al-Waaqia 56:79
لَّا يَمَسُّهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱلْمُطَهَّرُونَ ﴿٧٩﴾
None touch it except the purified.
The basis for requiring purity to touch the mushaf.
Sahih al-Bukhari 7
Sahih... يا أهل الكتاب تعالوا إلى كلمة سواء بيننا وبينكم ...
"His letter to Heraclius included: O People of the Book, come to a word that is equal between us and you."
The Prophet sent ayat of the Quran to a Christian ruler.
Sahih al-Bukhari 2990
Sahih... نهى أن يسافر بالقرآن إلى أرض العدو ...
"He forbade travelling with the Quran into the land of the enemy."
Shows care to protect the mushaf from disrespect.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, Kitab al-Karahiyya, chapter on the manners of the mosque, the qibla and the mushaf. A non-Muslim is kept from touching the mushaf; Muhammad allowed it after ghusl; teaching him the Quran is allowed.
- al-Majmu' (Nawawi), Kitab al-Taharah, chapter on what is forbidden without wudu. The Shafi'i rule on non-Muslims and the mushaf.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.