instruct everyone who performed Hajj to do so.
Likewise, if someone entering ihrām wishes to apply perfume to his body, that is good. Yet he is not instructed to do so before entering ihrām, for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did this himself but did not instruct people to do it. Nor did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, instruct anyone to use a particular formula. Rather, one simply says, “He pronounced the talbiyah for Hajj,” or “He pronounced the talbiyah for ʿumrah,” whether using the verb ahalla or labbā. This is the meaning of Allah’s words:
“Hajj is during well-known months. Whoever undertakes Hajj during them must refrain from sexual intimacy, sinful conduct, and disputing during Hajj.”
It is also authentically reported from him in the two Sahīh collections that he said:
“Whoever performs Hajj to this House without engaging in sexual intimacy or sinful conduct emerges free of his sins, as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”
This accords with the recitation in which “no sexual intimacy and no sinful conduct” is read with nominative endings. Here, “sexual intimacy” encompasses intercourse and talk of it, while “sinful conduct” encompasses all acts of disobedience. According to this recitation, “disputing” means controversy over the rites of Hajj. Allah has made these clear, explained them, and put an end to the controversy over them, unlike the disputes people used to have about their rulings in the pre-Islamic era.
The other recitation may also be interpreted in this sense. It has also been interpreted as meaning that the pilgrim must not argue with anyone. The first interpretation is more correct, for Allah has not forbidden disputation without qualification, whether for someone in ihrām or anyone else. Rather, disputation may be obligatory or recommended, as Allah Most High says:
“And argue with them in the best manner.”
Disputation may also be forbidden, both during Hajj and otherwise, such as arguing without knowledge or disputing the truth after it has become clear.