Bismillāhi’r Raĥmāni’r Raĥīm Imām Nawawī’s At-Tibyān Fī Ādābi Ĥamalati’l Qur’ān pg.105 Section: A person with tayammum [dry ablution*] touching the muş’ĥaf [copy of the Qur’ān] Whosoever cannot find water, does tayammum; and touching the muş’ĥaf is permissible as much [or as long as] tayammum is permitted for them. It is the same if the tayammum is made for Salah or for anything else. Thus, if one cannot find water or clean dust, they pray as it is possible at that time – but it is not permissible for them to touch the muş’ĥaf because they are not clean [muĥdith and there is no need]. We permit them to pray because of the necessity; [therefore] if they [the unclean person] have a muş’ĥaf with them and cannot find someone else to whom it can be handed over; and is unable to do the regular ablution [wuđu’] it is permissible for them to handle it, on account of the necessity. Qađī Abu’t Ţayyib said: ‘It is not necessary for such a person to do a dry ablution either [tayammum to handle the muş’ĥaf in necessity].’ There are others who said that this is debatable; and it seems to require a dry ablution [tayammum]. However, if one fears that the muş’ĥaf will be burnt or drowned or falls into a dirty place [in an emergency] or handled by a kafir, they must handle it and take it even if the person is unclean [muĥdith] because of the necessity. ----- tayammum or dry ablution: wiping on one’s face and hands with clean dust or certain other specified things, when one is unable to do the ablution in the regular manner for any valid reason (like sickness, unable to find water etc.)
