Question 594) - The rites of Hajj are during five days. Why have Shawwal and Zul Qa'dah been made months of Hajj?

A: Because certain laws apply then. One of these are that if one entered Ihram of 'Umrah and completed most of the circuits of the Tawaf before the new moon of Shawwal set in, then one will not be a Mutarnatti'. Another is that it is Makruh to enter into Ihrarn of Hajj before the new moon of Shawwal.

~ al-Quduri ~