What is the ruling on Hajj if the pilgrims discover, two days after their arrival tawaf, that they began their circuits before the Black Stone?

Question:
A group of pilgrims performed the arrival tawaf, and two days later they discovered that they had not started their circuits from the Black Stone, but had started them before it and finished them after it. What should they do regarding their tawaf?

Answer:
The arrival tawaf is a recommended practice (sunnah). If they intended to perform the arrival tawaf, it is a recommended practice and not obligatory. However, if they intended to perform the tawaf of 'Umrah, they must start over: they must renew their ihram garments, perform the tawaf again, and perform the sa'y again. As for those who intended the arrival tawaf as a qarin or ifrad, it is a recommended practice; if they repeat it, there is no harm, and if they leave it, it is not obligatory. And Allah knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.