Q: While a man was performing Hajj, he violated one of the prohibitions; he kissed his wife and ejaculated outside the vagina, with feelings of desire, after he had thrown the pebbles at Jamarat-ul-‘Aqabah (the closest stone pillar to Makkah) and shaved his head, but before performing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation around the Ka‘bah in Hajj). His wife was not performing Hajj. What is the ruling on this?

A: It is not permissible for a Muhrim (pilgrim in the ritual state for Hajj and/or ‘Umrah) to do anything that spoils their Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) or decreases the reward of their deeds. Kissing is Haram (prohibited) for a Muhrim until they have fully ended their Ihram, by throwing pebbles at Jamarat-ul-‘Aqabah, shaving or cutting their hair, and performing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah and Sa‘y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj). If they have yet to do any of these things, they are still subject to the rulings of Ihram, during which intimacy with spouse is prohibited. However, Hajj is not invalidated because of kissing one’s wife and ejaculating after the first Tahallul (partial ending of the ritual state for Hajj or ‘Umrah through shaving the head and throwing pebbles at Jamarat-ul-‘Aqabah before performing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah). This man should ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and not do anything like this again. He can make up for that by sacrificing a sheep that meets the conditions of Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) and distribute it among the poor of the Makkan sanctuary. He should hasten to do this as soon as possible.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.