Definition of Ihram and Explanation of Its Prohibitions

Question:
Finally, he asks: What is the meaning of ihram, O Shaykh? And what are the obligatory acts of ihram?

Answer:
Ihram is the intention to enter into the rites of pilgrimage; this is ihram, the intention to enter and begin the rites. So if one intends to enter into the rites, he has entered into ihram. It is called ihram because it makes forbidden to him things that were permissible to him before ihram. These are called the prohibitions of ihram. It is obligatory for him to avoid the prohibitions of ihram, such as wearing sewn clothing for the man, and such as using perfume for the man and the woman, and such as killing game, and such as sexual intercourse, and such as lewd speech and talk about sexual intercourse and its causes. All of these are forbidden for the one in ihram. So there is no lewd speech, and these, as well as cutting the hair or shaving the hair, and cutting the nails. This is forbidden for the one in ihram until he exits from his ihram. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you with good.