What actions are prohibited for a person in the state of Ihram (pilgrimage sanctity)?

Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him

Al-Mughni

Book of Hajj

Book 11 · Issue 1 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The prohibited actions are Raphth (sexual intercourse), Fusūq (sinful conduct, specifically cursing), and Jidāl (disputation or arguing). This prohibition is derived from the Quranic verse: {The Hajj is in the well-known months. So whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering Ihram], there shall be no Raphth, nor any Fusuq, nor any Jidāl in the Hajj} [Quran 2:197]. Raphth is primarily defined as sexual intercourse, as supported by the interpretation of Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Mujahid, and others, and is further confirmed by the context in the verse concerning fasting: {It has been decreed lawful for you to have intimacy with your wives on the night of the fast} [Quran 2:187]. Fusūq is defined as cursing, based on the Hadith: “Cursing a Muslim is Fusūq,” which is established by agreement (Muttafaq 'alayh). Jidāl is defined as argumentation or disputation (Marā'). Whoever performs Hajj without Raphth, Fusūq, or Jidāl, emerges from their sins as pure as the day their mother bore them, according to the established Hadith (Muttafaq 'alayh).

Supporting text

Some interpretations state Raphth includes conjugal relations, touching women, kissing, and using vulgar speech directed toward women. Abu 'Ubaydah defined Raphth as meaningless or inappropriate speech. One narration from Ibn Abbas suggests Raphth is what is used to address women indecently, though he also permitted explicit speech if not directed at women during intercourse. Regarding Fusūq, some scholars define it as all forms of disobedience to God.