Conducting business during the الحج season is جائز عند explicit القرآنic permission. Allah says: 'There is no sin upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord (during الحج)' (Al-Baqarah, 2:198). This verse was revealed because the early Muslims felt hesitant about trading during the sacred الحج season, thinking it might diminish their worship. The القرآن explicitly removed this concern.
الشيخ ابن باز stated that buying, selling, and trading during the الحج season is جائز as long as it does not interfere with the performance of the الحج rites. The companions of النبي engaged in commerce during the الحج season, and the markets of مكة were active during this time. Ibn Abbas reported that Dhul-Majaz and Ukaz were trade markets during الحج in the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.
Sheikh الفوزان clarified an important distinction: a الحاج who performs الحج and also conducts some business on the side is not blameworthy. However, a person who makes the trip primarily for business and performs الحج as a secondary activity is acting against the spirit of the الحج. الحج should be the primary intention, with business being incidental. The الحاج should not let trade distract them from the rites, from making دعاء at عرفة, from the remembrance of Allah, or from the other sacred moments of الحج.