Is it permissible to go to one's family in the South with the intention of visiting them, then enter into a state of Ihram for Hajj from the Miqat designated for that region? And when should the intention for Hajj be made?

First: It is permissible for someone who intends to perform Hajj to visit their family and then enter into ihram from their miqat, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying about the miqats: "They are for them and for those who come upon them from other than their people, from those who intend Hajj and Umrah."

Second: The intention for Hajj has two meanings: 1. The resolve to perform Hajj: This has no specific time; a Muslim may resolve to do it early or a few days before Hajj, which is commendable. 2. Entering into the ritual (Nusuk): This is only prescribed during the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhul-Qa'dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah), and it occurs when passing the miqat by entering into ihram and reciting the talbiyah. Entering into ihram for Hajj before its designated months is disliked, and there is scholarly disagreement regarding its validity.