[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.

The entire day is valid for reading the Megillah; reciting the Hallel; blowing the shofar; taking the lulav; [reciting] the Musaf prayer; [offering] the musaf-sacrifices; the confession [recited with the offering] of the bulls; the confession [recited with] the tithe; the confession of Yom Kippur; leaning the hands [on the head of a sacrificial animal]; slaughtering [of sacrifices]; waving [of sacrifices]; bringing near [the vessel with the meal-offering to the altar]; taking a handful [of the meal-offering] and burning it; nipping [the neck of the bird-offerings]; receiving [the blood of sacrifices]; sprinkling [the blood of sacrifices]; causing the sotah to drink; decapitating the heifer; and the cleansing of the metzora.

The entire night is valid for the reaping of the omer, and for the burning of [sacrificial] fats and limbs.  This is the general rule: Any rite which is to be done by day may be performed throughout the day; any rite which is to be done at night may be performed throughout the night.