What is the ruling regarding someone who intends to go to Makkah for a visit or to enter into a state of ihram on behalf of his family, without performing 'Umrah?

It is best for whoever intends to enter Makkah to enter it in a state of ihram for Hajj or 'Umrah; this is to avoid the disagreement of scholars who deem it obligatory. However, if one enters without ihram, there is nothing upon him according to the preponderant opinion, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entered Makkah on the day of the conquest with a helmet on his head. Therefore, there is no impediment to going to Makkah for a visit or for the husband to perform ihram for his wife without him performing ihram for 'Umrah, as there is no evidence for the obligation of that. However, performing ihram is better to attain reward and to assist the wife in her ritual, and to avoid scholarly disagreement.