Reading from the Mushaf without Ritual Purity

Question: I am a person whom Allah has afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body—from the waist down to the feet. Because of this, waste leaves my two passages without my knowledge or control, and I have devices attached to my external tracts through which I relieve myself. I spend my time reading the Noble Qur’an, but I stammer a great deal and make many mistakes. Am I sinful for that? In addition, while I am reading the Qur’an, ḥadiths, or supplications, those devices sometimes slip from their place, so I have to reposition them with my hand; after that I may pick up the mushaf or close it. Am I at fault for doing so?

Answer: With regard to reciting the Qur’an, recite according to your present ability. If you know that you are making mistakes, however, you must correct them and seek the help of someone who is more proficient in Qur’an recitation so that he may set your reading straight and teach you what is required, if that is possible. If no teacher is available, then read as best you can, even if it is difficult. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The one who recites the Qur’an and stammers over it, finding it hard, shall have a double reward.” Therefore, do not abandon the recitation; yet, whenever you are able to rectify your mistakes, it becomes obligatory for you to do so.

As for touching the mushaf, it is not permissible for you to handle it while you are in the condition you described—continuous emission of impurity for which you have no control—because the mushaf may only be touched by someone who is in a state of ritual purity.