it is obligatory or recommended. Both views were held by the early generations and are found in the schools of Ahmad and others, as well as in the school of Abū Hanīfah. However, those among Abū Hanīfah’s followers who regard it as recommended nevertheless say that she must offer a compensatory sacrifice.

Ahmad, however, says that she incurs no penalty—neither a sacrificial offering nor anything else—as he expressly stated concerning someone who circumambulates in a state of major ritual impurity out of forgetfulness. If she deliberately circumambulates while menstruating, there is a basis for saying that she must offer a compensatory sacrifice.

When she is unable to do otherwise, the most that can be said is that she must offer a compensatory sacrifice. The more fitting view, however, is that no sacrifice is required, because this is a duty she is commanded to fulfil when able, not when unable. A compensatory sacrifice becomes obligatory only for omitting something commanded, and in this situation she has neither omitted anything commanded nor committed any of the acts prohibited during ihrām. This is not one of the prohibitions of ihrām, since circumambulation is performed both by those outside ihrām and by those in it. Rather, the prohibition here is of the same kind as the prohibition on remaining in the mosque, a menstruating woman observing devotional retreat in the mosque, touching a copy of the Quran, or reciting the Quran. Such acts are permissible when needed, without a compensatory sacrifice. Moreover, the principal circumambulation of Hajj is permissible only after the first release from ihrām, at which point she is allowed to do what was previously prohibited, except intercourse.

If it is objected:

Had it been possible for her to circumambulate while menstruating, she would have been commanded to perform the arrival and farewell circumambulations. Yet the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, waived the farewell circumambulation for menstruating women. He also instructed ‘Ā’ishah, who had arrived intending to perform tamattu‘ and then began menstruating, to set aside the rites of