Hajj and the Sacred Months: An Examination of the Quran and Traditional Religious Practices

İntroduction
The Quran is a guide that determines the worship, morality, and way of life of Muslims. The rulings regarding the Hajj pilgrimage and the sacred months are clearly stated in the Quran. However, the addition of many elements not grounded in the Quran to traditional practices has caused the true meaning of Hajj and the sacred months to be misunderstood.
Hajj is one of the fundamental acts of worship in Islam — a pilgrimage undertaken each year, particularly during the month of Dhul Hijjah, by millions of Muslims who visit the Kaaba. Yet the Quran contains many important details concerning Hajj. In this article, we will conduct a detailed examination of the Hajj pilgrimage and the meaning of the sacred months in the light of Quranic verses.
The Sacred Months in the Quran
In the Quran, Allah states that four of the twelve months of the year are "sacred months." However, which specific months these correspond to is not explicitly identified. The sacred months encompass certain actions that are forbidden during a defined period — in particular, prohibitions against warfare apply during these months. While the Quran emphasizes that the number of sacred months is four, it does not provide a definitive explanation as to which months they are. Nevertheless, it is possible to say that the sacred months are periods of time that require compliance with Allah's prohibitions.
> "Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous."
> — (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)
This verse states that warfare is forbidden during the four sacred months of the year, and that Muslims should focus on peace and worship during these months. However, the Quran does not specify which months the sacred months are. At the same time, it expresses that these months provide a facilitation directed toward the Masjid al-Haram and the Hajj pilgrimage. This is explained in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 217:
> "They ask you about the sacred month — about fighting therein. Say: Fighting therein is great, but averting people from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and preventing access to al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing. And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever — for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:217)
This verse clearly establishes that those traveling to the Masjid al-Haram must not be impeded during the sacred months, and that warfare is forbidden in these months. While Allah issues a command prohibiting warfare during the sacred months, He also stipulates that those journeying to the Masjid al-Haram must not be obstructed during this period. This reinforces the interpretation that the sacred months are the months of Hajj. Hajj is an act of worship to be performed during these special months — an act of worship that aims to draw near to Allah within the time periods He has ordained.
> "Hajj is during well-known months..."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
The Timing of Hajj
The expression "well-known months" (ashhur ma'lumat) in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, indicates during which months Hajj may be performed. The phrase "well-known months" here refers to the sacred months that are generally accepted by the Islamic community. These sacred months are not restricted to a single month as in the Arab tradition, and all four sacred months encompass the periods within which the Hajj pilgrimage can take place. This demonstrates that Hajj is an act of worship that can be performed over a specific span of time rather than on a single day alone.
One of the clearest explanations regarding the timing of Hajj is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 189:
> "They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj. And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is in one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors. And fear Allah that you may succeed."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:189)
This verse indicates that the movements of the Moon are used in determining the time of Hajj. However, the verse speaks of a broader span of time for Hajj rather than a single day or a few days. This shows that the Hajj pilgrimage can be performed during the months in which the new moons are observed.
In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 27, Allah commands our Prophet Ibrahim: "And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass." This verse also addresses those coming from great distances during the period in which Hajj is to be performed. In those times, arriving in time for Hajj on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah was extremely difficult for people coming from distant regions, given the absence of airplanes and automobiles. This is yet another important piece of evidence showing that Hajj cannot be an act of worship required to be performed on a single day alone.
The Relationship Between the Sacred Months and Hajj
When the Quran speaks of the sacred months, it states that warfare is forbidden during these months and that people must not be prevented from visiting the Masjid al-Haram:
> "O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or the sacred month or the sacrificial animals and the garlands or those repairing to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and His approval. But when you come out of ihram, then hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty."
> — (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)
This verse clearly reveals the connection between the sacred months and the Hajj pilgrimage. A special emphasis on reverence is made regarding Hajj. It is stressed that Muslims must perform their worship in peace throughout the sacred months. This demonstrates that the sacred months not only constitute a period in which warfare is forbidden, but also guarantee freedom of worship. Furthermore, it is expressed that sins and acts of disbelief committed by a person in the state of ihram during Hajj must be atoned for. The Hajj pilgrimage is not merely comprised of rituals; it is also a manifestation of submission to Allah and of taqwa (God-consciousness).
The Essentials of Hajj According to the Quran
The Quran sets forth the foundations of the Hajj pilgrimage as follows:
> "Hajj is during well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein, there is to be no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj..."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
> "Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs umrah — there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good — then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)
> "And complete the Hajj and umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then whatever offering is easiest. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head, then a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs umrah followed by Hajj — then whatever offering is easiest. And whoever cannot find — then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned, making ten complete. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
These verses clearly set forth which behaviors must be avoided during Hajj and which principles must be observed. They also emphasize that this act of worship is not merely a tradition, but a symbol of submission to Allah.
Hajj Is Not Limited to a Single Day
The Quran emphasizes that Hajj must be performed during the "well-known months," and this is not a circumstance restricted to a single day. Throughout the four sacred months during which Hajj is to be performed, time has been granted so that people may conveniently fulfill the Hajj pilgrimage. This circumstance enables a greater number of people to perform Hajj. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 189, it is also expressed that the times for Hajj can be determined by the new moons:
> "They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj..."
This verse states that the measure of time for Hajj is the new moons, and that these times point to a period coinciding with the sacred months. This reveals that the Hajj pilgrimage can be performed according to the movements of the months and the appearance of the new moons rather than being based on a fixed calendar.
The Rituals of Hajj
Hajj encompasses a series of acts of worship, and these acts of worship must be performed correctly. The Quran states that during Hajj, indecent conduct, sinful behavior, and quarreling are forbidden (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197). Beyond this, those going to Hajj are required to enter the state of ihram and to refrain from certain behaviors during this process. Ihram is a kind of "sanctification" process for the person, and during this process the person must avoid certain behaviors that are normally permissible — such as hunting and picking flowers.
Although everything concerning Hajj is stated in the Quran, in traditional religious practice, rituals such as the "Black Stone" (Hajar al-Aswad) or the "Stoning of the Devil" are given considerable prominence. Yet such practices have no basis whatsoever when grounded in the Quran. The rules of Hajj in Islam are clearly stated, and neither the kissing of any stone nor the physical stoning of a specific location is among the requirements of Hajj.
Evidence from Hadith Literature
In a hadith of Ibn Umar recorded in the Muwatta, it is stated that the months of Hajj are numerous. Ibn Umar, who says to separate your Hajj from your Umrah, has reinforced the idea that Hajj can be performed at different times:
"1255 — Ibn Umar said: 'My father Umar said: Separate your Hajj from your Umrah, for doing so makes it so that one's Hajj is more complete. The perfection of your Umrah depends on performing it outside the months of Hajj.'"
— (Muwatta, Hajj 67, (1, 347))
The expression in the hadith — "The perfection of your Umrah depends on performing it outside the months of Hajj" — has reinforced the idea that Hajj can be performed at different times. This expression shows that Hajj is not restricted to a specific period of time, but rather that Hajj and Umrah can be performed during certain respective periods.
Conclusion
The Quran clearly states the rulings concerning Hajj and the sacred months. However, traditional practices have restricted worship in a manner contrary to the Quran's rulings. According to the Quran, the Hajj pilgrimage should be spread across the sacred months, and this act of worship should be made accessible to everyone. Furthermore, it is clearly stated that the sacred months must be a period free from warfare, and that those directing themselves toward the Masjid al-Haram during this period must not be obstructed. The Quran has provided Muslims with sufficient guidance on this matter and has commanded that this act of worship be made easy for people:
> "The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey — then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
> — (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
In order to understand the Hajj pilgrimage and the sacred months, we must turn to the Quran alone and keep our distance from traditional superstitions. The Book of Allah is sufficient and clear enough to guide us in every matter.