Imam An-Nawawi states in his Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat Al-Qur’an (translated by Sidi Musa Furber as, “Etiquette with the Qur’an”),

“Our Shafi’i companions have two opinions regarding someone in the state of minor or major ritual impurity or mensturation touching the pages of the mushaf with a stick or something like it. The most obvious opinion is that it is permissible, and our Iraqi companions were certain of it, since this does not constitute actual touching or carrying. The second opinion is that it is unlawful, since it is regarded as holding one of the pages, and a page is like entirety [of the Qur’an].

If one wraps his sleeve over his hand and turns the pages [of the mushaf], it is still unlawful without any disagreement. Some of our Shafi’i companions were mistaken by conveying two opinions about this. The correct opinion is unequivocal about its unlawfullness, since turning the pages takes place by the hand, not the sleeve per se.” (page 114 of the English print)

In summary it is permissible to use a stick – or by extension a pen – to turn the pages and it is not permissible to turn the pages by simply putting on gloves or sleeves according to the mu’tamad verdict narrated by Imam An-Nawawi.

For further clarification please read the article on touching and carrying the Qur’an.

And Allah Knows Best

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.