Title: Wudhu and the Recitation of the Qur'an Question: Does one have to have wudhu to read the Qur'an (I believe the answer is no, but I'm just double checking). Second, can one take a Qur'anic ayah [1] into the bathroom? The problem is coming up in relation to MSA t-shirts that have Qur'anic ayahs on them, can they be worn in the bathroom. Salam, Answer: You are right in believing that the Shair`ah has not made it obligatory upon us to be in a state of wudhu (ablution) to touch or recite the Qur'an. An individual, however, as a show of reverence toward the book of God, may adopt such a practice voluntarily. As far as taking a Qur'anic verse to the lavatory or bathroom is concerned, I really cannot imagine a reason for doing so. Under normal circumstances, I would not like to do so. Nevertheless, if the situation clearly requires doing so - for instance to save the sanctity of the Qur'an itself - it may then be done. As far as wearing t-shirts with Qur'anic verses inscribed upon them is concerned, I have already given my opinion about the concept [2] . If a person has inscribed any Qur'anic verse on his t-shirt, it would predictably follow that he would take these verses wherever he would himself go, which generally would also include the lavatory or the bathroom. I would therefore, suggest that if someone still wants to inscribe Qur'an on his t-shirt, he should at least avoid inscribing the actual text of the Qur'an and settle at inscribing its translation only. The matter, however, as should be clear from the foregoing explanation, does not relate to any clear directive of the Shari`ah . It relates to one's personal likes, dislikes and attitudes. 12 th May 2000 [1] An Arabic word, literally meaning 'sign', generally used for a verse of the Qur'an. [2] Refer to one of my previously answered questions titled: ' Printing Parts of Qur'anic Verses on T-Shirts, As a Means of Propagation '.