Q: What is the ruling on selling wall hangings with Ayat-ul-Kursy (the Qur’anic Verse of the Throne, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) carved on them? They are hung in rooms to honor and show pride in the Qur’an. Is it Haram (prohibited) to sell these hangings in the markets and import them into Saudi Arabia?

A: The Qur’an was revealed as a proof from Allah that leaves no excuse for mankind to disbelieve, and to be the constitution, (Part No. 4; Page No. 73) and the way of life for all Muslims. They should deem as lawful that which it declares to be lawful and deem as forbidden that which it declares to be forbidden. They should act according to the Muhkamat (decisive legislative, self-contained Qur'anic verses, closed to any interpretation) and believe in the Mutashabihat (similar and dependent Qur'anic verses, open to more than one interpretation or whose meaning is known only to Allah). They should memorize it by heart, write it down on manuscripts, tablets, and the like, and refer to it and recite it whenever they want. This was the understanding of the early Muslims and what they did. As for what is happening these days, regarding writing portions of the Qur’an in a decorative style on boards or leather and hanging them in houses, cars, and so on, this was not done by the Salaf (pious predecessors). This may be more of a source of evils than a mere intention of those who write or hang them to honor and show pride in the Qur’an. It may cause people to neglect the real objectives for which the Qur’an was revealed. It is preferable for Muslims to leave these things and keep away from dealing in them, even though they are basically Halal (lawful), fearing that by frequent use, they divert people from the real objectives of the Qur’an.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.