Answering Mahmud Al-Istanbuly who allows reading from the Mus-haf without Wudu'

Q 2: In his book "Tuhfat Al-Arous," p. 389, the author Mahmud Mahdy Al-Istanbully mentions in the footnote placed on line twelve [in the Arabic edition]: As for touching the Qur'an, it is not Haram (prohibited) for a Junub (person in a state of post-sexual ritual impurity) or a menstruating woman to touch. However, it is preferable to touch it while in a state of Taharah (ritual purification). As for Allah's saying: (Part No. 3; Page No. 72) That (this) is indeed an honourable recitation (the Noble Qur’ân). In a Book well-guarded (with Allâh in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz ). Which (that Book with Allâh) none can touch but the purified. The relative pronoun which refers to Al-Lawh-ul-Mahfuzh (the Preserved Tablet), not the Holy Qur'an, and the purified refers to the angels. As for the Hadith that states: None should touch the Qur’an except one who is Tahir (ritually pure) , it refers to the believer. According to a report narrated in the Sahih of Al-Bukhari: Verily, a believer is never impure. Kindly provide us with the answer regarding the opinion mentioned above.

A: What is mentioned in the book referred to above concerning the permissibility of touching the Qur'an by ritually impure persons is not true, because it contradicts the direction the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave in his letter to `Amr ibn Hazm, which stated: None should touch the Qur’an except one who is Tahir. Moreover, the well versed Imams unanimously agreed on that ruling, as related by the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.