What is the ruling on a woman's tawaf if her forearms were uncovered by забывчивость during tawaf, and what is required of her if she has returned to her city? Is it permissible to adopt the view of the Hanafis, who do not stipulate covering the awrah in this situation, or to adopt a less preferred view after the event has occurred and it is difficult to rectify?

The majority of jurists hold that covering the awrah (private parts) is a condition for the validity of tawaf (definition) (circumambulation), differing from Abu Hanifa, who considers it obligatory but not a condition. They base their view on the hadith (definition) "No one should circumambulate the Kaaba naked" and on the saying of Ibn Abbas. If the awrah becomes uncovered during tawaf by mistake or forgetfulness, and is immediately covered, the tawaf is valid and does not require repetition. However, if it was due to negligence, repetition is necessary. In case of difficulty repeating the tawaf after returning from Mecca, it is permissible to adopt the Hanafite view to avoid hardship, especially for those afflicted with waswas (obsessive doubts). Covering the forearms is obligatory for women in front of non-mahram (definition) men.