Is it permissible to hire someone to copy the Mushaf (Quran)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is permissible to hire someone to copy the Mushaf, according to the majority of scholars. This view is related from Jabir ibn Zayd and Malik ibn Dinar, and it is the position held by Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir. The evidence supporting this permissibility is that copying the Quran is a permissible act wherein one person can act on behalf of another, thus allowing compensation. Furthermore, a report states: 'The most deserving thing for which you take wages is the Book of Allah.'

Supporting text

Ibn Sirin permitted hiring someone for a month and then having them copy the Mushaf. 'Alqamah disliked receiving payment for writing the Mushaf, perhaps viewing it as an act specifically reserved for someone seeking closeness to God (ibadah), making payment for it disliked, similar to payment for leading prayer.