The Quran itself states that only those who are clean and pure should touch the sacred text: "This is indeed a Holy Quran, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean.." (56:77-79). The Arabic word translated here as 'clean' is mutahiroon, a word that is also sometimes translated as 'purified'.
SOME ETTIQUETTES OF HANDLING THE QURAN.
1) One should make formal ablutions before handling the Quran or reading from its text. 2) One who is in need of a formal bath (after intercourse or menstrual bleeding) should not touch the Quran until after bathing. 3) A non-Muslim should not handle the sacred text, but may listen to tapes of the Quran or handle a translation or exegesis. 4) Those who are unable to handle the Quran based on these reasons should either avoid handling the Quran completely, or in necessity hold it while using some sort of barrier covering the hand, such as a cloth or a glove.
