Why do Muslims perform the Hajj in Dhul-Hijja exclusively and they do not perform it in other sacred months?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

Initially, there is a difference between the sacred months and the months of performing Hajj. The first ones are Rajab, Dhul-Hijja, Dhul-Qi’da and Muharram. Allah says: “of them four are Sacred” At-Taubah: 36, while the others are Shawwal, Dhul-Qi’da and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja.

In addition, even though Shawwal and Dhul-Qi’da are called the months of Hajj, the rituals of Hajj should not be performed then. The only action that can be performed is Ihram (the state of consecration).

There are many rituals which should be performed during Hajj, each one of them must be performed in a certain time and on a certain day. For instance, standing on Arafat (mountain) must be on the ninth of Dhul-Hijja, sacrifice should be on the tenth of Dhul-Hijja, walking between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah (a Hajj ceremony of walking between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah seven times), Tawaf (circumambulation) and stoning, all should be performed on certain days. Thus, the phrase (months of Hajj) does not mean that any ritual of Hajj can be done at any time. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) determined the rituals of Hajj and their exact times. He said: “Learn your rituals by seeing me performing them.” Thus, these rituals are determined by Allah and His messenger and there is no place for changes. Muslims should obey what Allah says (in the Holy Qur’an) and what the prophet says in his Sunna as his deeds are revealed to him. Allah says: “And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it).” Al-Hashr: 7