upon faith; and what would prevent him from saying, “None may touch the Quran except a believer,” when this is perfectly clear?

The conclusion I have finally reached is that it is not permissible to touch the mushaf except while in a state of wudu .....

Question: Is what is prohibited the touching of the Quran itself, or the touching of the mushaf containing the Quran? One opinion among the Shafi'is is that what is prohibited is touching the letters themselves, not the margins (1), because the margins are merely paper. Allah Most High says:

“Rather, it is a glorious Quran, inscribed on a Preserved Tablet.” [al-Buruj]

The container is distinct from what it contains. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “None may touch the Quran except one who is pure.” (2)

The Hanbalis said: It is prohibited to touch the Quran or anything upon which it is written. However, a child may touch a tablet containing Quranic text, provided that his hand does not come into contact with the letters (3).

This is the more cautious view, because that which is established incidentally is not established independently.

Question: Does this ruling include those who have not reached puberty?

Some scholars said that it does not include children, because they are not legally accountable (4). If they are not legally accountable, how can we obligate them to do something that involves neither disbelief nor anything less than disbelief? Rather, it is a sin for an adult, whereas they are not among those held accountable for sins, since the Pen has been lifted from them.

Must his guardian instruct him to do this, or is he not required to do so?