Is it permissible to use a Qur’ān app on a smartphone without Wudhu?
The answer
As far as the actual screen display is concerned, it is not permissible to touch the actual script of the Qur’ān displayed on a smartphone or tablet screen without Wudhū’. Once the app is closed, Wudhū’ is no longer required to touch the screen as the Qur’ānic script is no longer present.[1]
Condition: The Qur'anic script on the screen must not be touched without wudu; holding the device is disputed.
Explanation
With regards to holding the device itself, there are two opinions in the classical Hanafi works regarding touching everythingbesides the mushaf.
According to one opinion, Wudhū’ will be required in order to touch anything which has a verse of the Qur’ān on it.2
Another opinion states that Wudhū’ will not be needed to touch the actual object which has the verse of the Qur’ān inscribed on it.However, one cannot touch the actual writing of the Qur’an without wudhu.3
The first opinion is the awra’ (precautionary) view and the second opinion is the awsa’ (accommodating) view.
In keeping the above difference of opinions in mind, one should habitually have Wudhū’ when reading the Qur’ān from a smartphone or tablet. In journeys and places where performing Wudhū’ is difficult, one may adopt the second opinion of not having to perform Wudhū’ to touch the device. However, to touch the screen, Wudhū’ will be required in all scenarios and situations.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faraz Adam
References
1كذا الوضوء فرض “لمس المصحف ولو آية” مكتوبة على درهم أو حائط لقوله تعالى: {لا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ} وسواء الكتابة والبياض وقال بعض مشايخنا إنما يكره للمحدث مس الموضع المكتوب دون الحواشي لأنه لم يمس القرآن حقيقة والصحيح أن مسها كمس المكتوب(حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح ص 82 دار الكتب)
2وَكَذَا لَا يَجُوزُ لَهُ مَسُّ شَيْءٍ مَكْتُوبٍ فِيهِ شَيْءٌ مِنْ الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ لَوْحٍ أَوْ دِرْهَمٍ أَوْ غَيْرِ ذَلِكَ إذَا كَانَ آيَةً تَامَّةً (الجورة النيرة ج 1 ص 39 مير محمد كتب خانه)
3أَيْ الْقُرْآنِ وَلَوْ فِي لَوْحٍ أَوْ دِرْهَمٍ أَوْ حَائِطٍ، لَكِنْ لَا يُمْنَعُ إلَّا مِنْ مَسِّ الْمَكْتُوبِ، بِخِلَافِ الْمُصْحَفِ فَلَا يَجُوزُ مَسُّ الْجِلْدِ وَمَوْضِعِ الْبَيَاضِ مِنْهُ.(ج 1 ص 293 أيج أيم سعيد)
وكذا في أحسن الفتاوى ج 2 ص 31 أيج أيم سعيد
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.