The ruling on touching a woman or caressing her while in the state of ihram

Question:
Her second question is: Does touching a woman or merely caressing her affect the ihram?

Answer:
A husband must not touch his wife with desire while he is in the state of ihram, nor may she touch him with desire while she is in the state of ihram. However, touching her without desire, such as holding her hand, giving her something, or taking something from her, without any desire, is permissible. Likewise, if she touches her husband, or he touches her, while either is in the state of ihram, without any desire, it causes no harm and is permissible.

The presenter: Yes, what is the consequence of touching with desire?

The Shaykh: If one touches with desire, some scholars hold that an expiation is required, which is either a sheep, or feeding six poor people, or fasting for three days.

The presenter: Is it required of both of them?

The Shaykh: It is required of both of them if they are both in the state of ihram. If one is in the state of ihram and the other is not, it is required only of the one in the state of ihram. If the one in the state of ihram touches with desire, he must pay the expiation for harm, choosing between fasting for three days, feeding six poor people, or slaughtering a sheep. This is what should be applied by analogy to the case where one shaves his head for a valid reason. Yes.