Qur'an on Stand
The Qur'an is the sacred book of Islam and is regarded as the record of God's messages to humanity. Muslims reflect this belief through the practices which surround their treatment of the Qur'an. One verse from the Qur'an states that only 'the purified' should touch it. Many Muslims interpret this as meaning that they should be ritually pure before touching a copy of it. Some go through the same washing ritual as they do before prayer, others would at least ensure that their hands were clean. Women cover their heads before touching it. The Qur'an should not be placed on the floor. Often, when the Qur'an is being read, it is placed on a carved wooden stand. The Arabic term for the stand can be translated 'throne'. All those present when the Qur'an is being read should be in a suitable frame of mind and behave in a respectful manner. People should not eat, drink or chat while it is being read.
Even when not in use, the Qur'an should be treated with the greatest of respect . Many Muslims will keep it wrapped in a clean cloth and place it on a high shelf with nothing on top of it.
Though translations are available nowadays, only the Arabic version is regarded as the true Qur'an. The above practices only apply to the handling of the 'true Qur'an', though all versions should be treated with care and respect.
