—the Sacred Mosque—for circumambulation is restricted to a particular place. It differs from devotional retreat, since someone observing retreat may leave the mosque for necessities, such as relieving himself, eating, or drinking. He remains in retreat while outside the mosque and may not have sexual relations during that time. This accords with Allah’s words:

“Do not have sexual relations with them while you are in devotional retreat in the mosques.”

The phrase “in the mosques” modifies “in devotional retreat,” not “have sexual relations with them.” Sexual relations in the mosque are forbidden both to those observing retreat and to others. Rather, someone observing retreat in the mosque may not have sexual relations even when he leaves it for a necessity.

Since this resembles devotional retreat, and a menstruating woman leaves out of necessity, menstruation does not interrupt her retreat. Allah, glorified be He, mentioned retreat, circumambulation, and prayer together when commanding that His House be purified, saying:

“Purify My House for those who circumambulate it, those who observe devotional retreat, and those who bow and prostrate.”

Keeping menstruating women out of it is therefore part of maintaining its purity. Circumambulation resembles devotional retreat, not prayer: prayer is permissible anywhere on earth and is not restricted to a mosque. Certain things are required for prayer, and certain things are forbidden during it that are not forbidden during devotional retreat or circumambulation.

The essential point is that circumambulation is an act of worship performed both by those outside ihrām and by those in ihrām; it is not exclusive to the state of ihrām. Hence, the obligatory circumambulation becomes due only after the first release from ihrām. The pilgrim thus performs the circumambulation mentioned in the words of Allah Most High: