The Chapter of Purity · 91 – One in a state of ritual impurity cannot recite the Quran.
Abdullah ibn Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
I entered upon Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) with two men, I think one was from among us and the other from Banu Asad. Ali appointed them for a campaign and said to them: "You are strong people, so strive in the path of your religion." Then he went to relieve himself. When he emerged, he asked for water (which they brought), and he took a handful and wiped with it. Afterwards, he began reciting the Qur’an. Those present did not consider it appropriate for Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to recite the Qur’an without ablution. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) would emerge from the lavatory, recite the Qur’an to us without ablution, and eat with us." Nothing prevented the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) from reciting the Qur’an except *janabah* (ritual impurity). [183]
COMMENTARY:
This clear hadith is evidence that it is permissible for a person who is not in a state of ritual purity to recite the Qur'an by memory, but it is not permissible for one in a state of *janabah* to do so. Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) holds the view that a menstruating woman may recite the Qur’an.