Is ablution required to read the Qur'an?

Scholars differed on the ruling of reciting the Quran for a person in a state of minor ritual impurity (al-hadath al-asghar). It is permissible by consensus for such a person to recite the Quran, though it is preferable for them to purify themselves. However, for a person in a state of major ritual impurity (al-hadath al-akbar), such as menstruation, post-natal bleeding, or janabah (sexual defilement), the majority of scholars hold that it is not permissible to recite the Quran, even without touching the Mushaf.

The Maliki school, however, permits menstruating and post-natal women to recite the Quran, but not the person in a state of janabah. The majority of scholars permit a person in a state of janabah or menstruation to supplicate with verses from the Quran. The Maliki school also permits a person in a state of janabah to perform ruqyah (exorcism/healing) for themselves or others with Quranic verses.