What is the ruling for a person who begins the state of Ihram for a specific Hajj/Umrah ritual but forgets which one before performing Tawaf?
Chapter on Mentioning Ihram
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If one enters Ihram for an unspecified ritual, they may convert it to any permissible ritual they choose before Tawaf. If converted to Umrah, and the forgotten ritual was Umrah, the intention is correct. If the forgotten ritual was Hajj Mutamatti' (Hajj after Umrah) or Qiran, they may change it to Umrah. If converted to Qiran, and the forgotten ritual was Qiran, the intention is correct. If the forgotten ritual was Umrah, incorporating Hajj before Tawaf is permissible, resulting in Qiran. If the forgotten ritual was Hajj Ifrad (singular Hajj), the Umrah Ihram is nullified, and the Hajj Ihram is valid. If converted to Ifrad, and the forgotten ritual was Ifrad, the intention is correct. If the forgotten ritual was Mutamatti', incorporating Hajj after Umrah occurred, making them Qiran in ruling and between themselves and Allah, even if they believed they were performing Ifrad. Ahmad's explicit ruling is that they should convert it to Umrah.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi states that converting it to Umrah is preferable (mustahabb) because if it is recommended when the situation is known, it is more appropriate when it is unknown. Abu Hanifa holds that they must convert it to Qiran. This is also Al-Shafi'i's view in his new opinion (Qawl al-Jadid). Al-Shafi'i's old opinion (Qawl al-Qadim) suggests they should strive (taharri) to follow their strongest presumption, as intent is a condition of worship, similar to the direction of prayer (Qibla).