What is the ruling in the Shari'ah, in your opinion, O honorable Shaykh, regarding the use of Arabic newspapers that may contain the names of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)? We ask for guidance on this.
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The questioner : The listener, F from Benghazi, Libya, asks in this question: What is the ruling in the Shari'ah, in your opinion, O honorable Shaykh, regarding the use of Arabic newspapers that may contain the names of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)? We ask for guidance on this, specifically for the purpose of using them for wiping and packaging?
The Shaykh : Yes. Newspapers or papers containing Arabic writing that include verses from the Book of Allah or sayings from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) should not be used for packaging, such as wrapping clothes, vessels, or other items, because doing so is a form of disrespect toward them. If one wraps filthy, ritually impure items in them, that is even more severe, greater, and more harmful. If this is considered a clear disrespect for these newspapers and papers, and a person is certain that they contain verses from the Book of Allah or hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then it is forbidden, because it is not permissible to disrespect the words of Allah and the words of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
And it is astonishing that those who wrap things in these newspapers and papers find it easy and convenient to buy white paper prepared for such purposes, yet they turn away from it to these newspapers and papers. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has provided us with an alternative to these newspapers and papers in the form of the white paper that fills the markets. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes. Newspapers or papers containing Arabic writing that include verses from the Book of Allah or sayings from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) should not be used for packaging, such as wrapping clothes, vessels, or other items, because doing so is a form of disrespect toward them. If one wraps filthy, ritually impure items in them, that is even more severe, greater, and more harmful. If this is considered a clear disrespect for these newspapers and papers, and a person is certain that they contain verses from the Book of Allah or hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then it is forbidden, because it is not permissible to disrespect the words of Allah and the words of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
And it is astonishing that those who wrap things in these newspapers and papers find it easy and convenient to buy white paper prepared for such purposes, yet they turn away from it to these newspapers and papers. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has provided us with an alternative to these newspapers and papers in the form of the white paper that fills the markets. Yes.