Is it permissible to enter the state of Ihram for Hajj before its prescribed months?
Chapter on Mentioning Ihram
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Entering Ihram for Hajj before its prescribed months is disliked because it precedes the established time for it, similar to entering Ihram before the prescribed location (miqat). Despite this dislike, if one enters Ihram before the months, the Ihram is valid, and if the person maintains that state of Ihram until the time of Hajj arrives, it is permissible. This view is stated by Ahmad, Al-Nakha'i, Malik, Al-Thawri, Abu Hanifa, and Ishaq.
Supporting text
Al-Hanafiyyah, Al-Shafi'iyyah, and a group including 'Ata', Tawus, and Mujahid hold that if one enters Ihram before the prescribed months, they should intend it as Umrah instead. This is based on the verse stating that Hajj occurs in specific, known months (Quran 2:197), implying that preceding the designated time is impermissible, analogous to the times for the prescribed prayers.