Kissing the Qur’an is a way of showing respect. It is not reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do it, but it is reported from one of the Companions. Therefore, it cannot be counted as bid`ah (innovation in religion), but it also is not prescribed in Shari`ah.
The late Sheikh Sayyed Ad-Darsh, former head of the UK Shari`ah Council (may Allah bless his soul), stated in one of his fatwas: “Kissing the Qur’an is not bid`ah. Imam An-Nawawi reported that whenever `Ikrimah (may Allah be pleased with him) opened the Glorious Qur’an, he used to place it on his forehead and then kiss it, as a form of showing respect, then he would say, “This is the speech of Allah, this is the Book of Allah.”
Based on this incident, the great scholar As-Suyuti (may Allah bless his soul) maintained that it is good to kiss the Glorious Qur’an. This is also based on an analogy drawn with the black stone in the Ka`bah. Both are to be seen as a blessing from Allah.
Similarly, inasmuch as kissing our children denotes love and affection, kissing the Glorious Qur’an is a sign of our devotion and love for Allah Almighty.”
Moreover, the late great Saudi scholar Sheikh Abdul-`Azeez Ibn Baaz (may Allah bless his soul), adds:
“I do not know of any evidence to indicate that kissing the Qur’an is prescribed in Shari`ah, but if a person does it, there is nothing wrong with that. It is narrated that the great companion `Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl (may Allah be pleased with him) used to kiss the Qur’an, and he used to say, “This is the speech of my Lord.”
Anyway, there is nothing wrong with kissing the Qur’an before or after reading, but it is not prescribed to do so and there is nothing to indicate that it is prescribed in Shari`ah. Therefore, if a person kisses it as an act of veneration and respect, there is nothing wrong with that, insha’Allah.”