In August of this year (2003), Sheik Fouzie stated at a conference in Amsterdam that it is not obligatory to make Wudu before reading the Qur'an, even during the menstrual period. A friend who was there reported this to me. I was a little bit shocked. Is this statement true?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

All scholars are of the opinion that it is forbidden for the woman while in her menstruation period to touch the Qur'an.

However, there is a disagreement among scholars over the issue of her reading the Qur'an or reciting it without touching Qur'an Book (Mus-haf). The majority of scholars believe that it is unlawful for the woman, while in her menstruation period, to read the Qur'an. But Imam Malik thinks that it is lawful for her to read it without touching it. This opinion was also reported from Imam Ahmad. It is also one of the opinions of Imam Al Shafi'e.

We believe that this last opinion is the one most supported by evidence, as mentioned in your question. In addition, the woman, in such circumstances does not have to make Wudu before reading Qur'an.

Allah knows best.