When is it permissible to touch the Noble Qur’an without being in a state of ritual purity, and when is it not permissible according to the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools of thought?

It is permissible for a person in a state of ritual purity (mutahhir) to touch the Mus'haf (copy of the Qur'an), but it is forbidden for a person in a state of ritual impurity (muhdith). This is the view of the majority of jurists from the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools. They cited as proof the words of Allah Almighty: "Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an In a Register well-protected; None touch it except the purified." (Al-Waqi'ah 56:77-79), and the hadith: "None should touch the Qur'an except one who is pure."

However, some exceptions are made: 1. According to the Shafi'is: It is permissible for a person who has not performed wudu' to touch the Mus'haf if there is a fear of harm befalling it (such as drowning, burning, or falling into the hands of a disbeliever) and they are unable to purify themselves. 2. According to the Hanbalis: It is permissible to touch the Mus'haf with an interposing barrier (such as a bag, sleeve, or glove), because in this case, the touching is of the barrier and not directly of the Mus'haf itself.