The ninth prohibition of ihram is physical intimacy short of intercourse. A pilgrim in this state may not touch a woman lustfully, for such contact is a pathway to the forbidden act of intercourse; by “physical intimacy” we mean touching a woman with desire.

The pilgrim must therefore stay away from rafath, sin, and argument. Allah says, “Whoever undertakes the pilgrimage during these months must abstain from sexual relations, wickedness, and disputation during the Hajj” (2:197).

Rafath here refers to intercourse and, by extension, to everything that leads to it: fondling, kissing, caressing, and any speech that alludes to intercourse. Fusūq means disobedience, for sinning while in ihram is graver and uglier, since one is in a state of humble devotion. Jidāl in this context is useless wrangling—quarrelling with fellow travellers, disputing, and trading insults. Debate undertaken to clarify the truth or to enjoin right and forbid wrong is, however, commanded, for Allah says, “And argue with them in the best manner” (16:125).

It is recommended for the pilgrim in ihram to keep his speech to a minimum except when it is beneficial. In the two Ṣaḥīḥ collections it is related from Abū Hurayrah: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.”