We would like a clarification of the ruling in Islamic law regarding the printing of verses from the Quran physical forms on physical forms of money in circulation among the people.

The Quran is the speech of Allah Almighty. Just as all that is between the covers of the mus-haf (the physical copy of the Quran) is regarded as Quran, so too are its chapters and verses. The Quran is a book for worship, guidance, and direction for mankind and within it lies their happiness in both this world and in the next through acts of worship, interactions, and morals. For this reason, it is necessary to venerate and honor it, and to protect it from anything that might undermine its sanctity. Accordingly, the jurists do not deem it permissible for those in a state of minor impurity (such as those lacking ablution), or those in a state of major ritual impurity (such as that resulting from sexual intercourse, ejaculation, menstruation, and postpartum bleeding) to touch the mus-haf or any part of the Quranic text except through a separate physical barrier. This is based on the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who said, “No one is to touch the Quran except for one who is purified” (recorded by al-Baihaqi). However, they permitted this out of necessity, such as when as handing the tablet (containing verses from the Quran) or mus-haf to children, because prohibiting it could hinder their memorization of the Quran. Additionally, requiring those who teach the Quran to always be in a state of ritual purity can impose real hardship on them. In a similar vein, they also stated the dislike of writing the Quran or the names of Allah on coins, mirhabs (a niche that indicates the direction of prayer), walls, or any surfaces that are covered or spread out. See Fath al-Qadeer by Al-Kamal Ibn al-Humam (1:169).

The ruling

It is disliked to print any portion of the Noble Quran on physical forms of money, as this would cause them to come into contact, during their circulation, with individuals who may be ritually impure. Since there is no necessity to permit this, the most cautious course is to safeguard the Quran and its verses by keeping them away from anything that compromises their sanctity and honor.

And Allah Almighty knows best.