Is it permissible for a pilgrim in a state of ihram to explicitly seek a wife, or to conduct a legitimate viewing (ru'yah shar'iyyah), or to discuss marriage arrangements?

The majority of scholars hold that a person in a state of ihram (consecration for pilgrimage) cannot validly contract a marriage. Their evidence is the hadith of Uthman: "A person in ihram shall neither marry nor be married nor propose marriage." As for his witnessing a marriage, it is not forbidden according to most scholars, though it is disliked, and it is better for him not to witness. Scholars differed concerning the proposal of a person in ihram: many went to the opinion that it is disliked, while some chose prohibition, and the permissible viewing (of the prospective spouse) falls under this prohibition. As for his speaking with his companions about marriage and expressing his intention, there is no harm in it as long as it does not include obscenity. It is more fitting for a person in ihram to occupy himself with remembrance (dhikr) and worship.