[If] someone read the Megillah out of sequence, he has not fulfilled his obligation. [If] he read it by heart, [or if] he read it in Targum [or] in any other language, he has not fulfilled his obligation. However, we may read it for those who speak a foreign language in a foreign language. One who speaks a foreign language and heard it [read in Hebrew that was written] in Assyrian [script] has fulfilled his obligation.

[If] one read it discontinuously, or while half asleep, he has fulfilled his obligation. If one was writing it, expounding upon it, or correcting it, provided he had intent, he fulfilled his obligation; if not, he did not fulfill his obligation.  [If] it was written with orpiment, vermilion, gum, or ferrous sulfate, or on paper, or on unfinished parchment, he did not fulfill his obligation, unless it is written in Assyrian [script] on parchment and with ink.

A townsman who went to a walled city, or a city dweller who went to a town, if he intends to return to his home, he reads [at the same time] as in his home; but if not, he reads with them.  From what part of the Megillah must one read in order to fulfill his obligation? R’ Meir says: All of it. R’ Yehudah says: From There was a Jewish man. R’ Yose says: From After these things.

All are qualified to read the Megillah except one who is deaf, an imbecile, or a minor. R’ Yehudah declares a minor qualified.  We may not read the Megillah, nor circumcise, nor perform ritual immersion, nor sprinkle [purification water] —- similarly, a woman who counts a day corresponding to a day may not immerse herself until the sun has risen. However, [if] any of them did so after the [first] ray of dawn appeared, the act is valid.