Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

QUESTION:

As Salaamu Alaikum,

My question is when we get papers such as the schedule for fasting times and Eid magazines or even pamphlets that contain duas or prayers in Arabic what is the proper way of disposing of it? I ask this because I feel bad to just throw it away in the garbage but also at the same time it would be so much to burn. Please advice. Thanks so much for your time.

ANSWER:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

Most of the duas that are written in these magazines, flyers and pamphlets are either from the Holy Quran or from the blessed traditions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, and as such, a Muslim is required to show respect and high regards to these. Therefore, it will not be permissible at all to throw these duas/prayers in the garbage. It will also not be proper to burn these papers on which the duas are written.

If you have to dispose these, you can cut out the duas, Quranic verses and Arabic prayers from these flyers, magazines and pamphlets and keep them safely. Then remove/blot out (from these papers/flyers etc) the names of Allah, Angels and Prophets and then burn the rest of these magazines and flyers. If cutting out the duas etc. and removing the sacred names from the flyers, magazines. is too difficult for you (because of the amount), then you can put these in flowing water so that the Arabic duas, names of Allah etc. can be washed out, and no disrespect will be shown. (Shami – Kitab Al Hadhr Wal Ibahah – Kitab An Nawazil Vol. 15 Page. 89 Darul Ishaat Karachi 2016)

And Allah Knows best

Mufti Waseem Khan

10/10/2019