Other followers of Ahmad related three reports from him: according to one, circumambulation performed forgetfully in a state of major ritual impurity fulfils one’s obligation, and no sacrificial offering is due; according to another, a sacrificial offering is due; and according to the third, such circumambulation does not fulfil one’s obligation.

Some people suppose that the disagreement within Ahmad’s school concerns only those in a state of major or minor ritual impurity, not menstruating women. This is not so. Several of his followers explicitly stated that the disagreement concerns menstruating women as well as others. Ahmad’s own words indicate this. It is clear that he withheld judgment regarding circumambulation by both a menstruating woman and someone in a state of major ritual impurity. He would mention the views of the Companions, the Successors and others on this matter.

In al-Shāfī, Abū Bakr ‘Abd al-‘Azīz related from al-Maymūnī:

“I asked Ahmad about someone who performed sa‘y (the passage between Safā and Marwah) and the obligatory circumambulation without ritual purity, then had intercourse with his wife. He replied, ‘This is a matter over which people differ.’ He mentioned Ibn ‘Umar’s view, what ‘Atā’ said and the concessions he allowed in this matter, and what al-Hasan said. He also mentioned the case of ‘Ā’ishah: when she menstruated, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

‘Do what the pilgrim does, but do not circumambulate the House. This is something Allah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.’

“She was afflicted with it; it befell her through no doing of her own.”

Al-Maymūnī said:

“I said, ‘Some people say that he must perform Hajj again.’ He replied, ‘Yes, that is what I have generally understood.’ ‘And some hold that he owes a sacrificial offering?’ Abū ‘Abd Allāh said, both at the outset and at the end, ‘This is an unclear matter requiring examination. Give me time to consider it.’

“Some people say, ‘Even if he has returned to his homeland, he must come back and perform circumambulation.’

“I asked, ‘What about forgetfulness?’ He replied, ‘The ruling in cases of forgetfulness is far more lenient.’” He meant that it is more lenient than the ruling concerning someone who deliberately performs circumambulation without ritual purity.