There is nothing wrong as far as Islam is concerned if one engages in some business, trade, or work during the Hajj season, since this is included under the benefits that are mentioned to be one of the things gained in Hajj. Almighty Allah says: (And proclaim unto mankind the Pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them, and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that He hath bestowed upon them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor unfortunate) (Hajj 22:27-28).

Highlighting this issue, we cite what Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq says in his well-known book Fiqh us-Sunnah:

There is no harm if a pilgrim engages in trade and business during Hajj or `Umrah. Ibn `Abbas said: In the beginning when Hajj was prescribed, the people used to trade at Mina, `Arafah, and the market place of Dhul-Majaz (a place close to `Arafah) during the Hajj season, but they feared it might be forbidden for them while in a state of ihram. Thereupon Allah revealed the verse: (It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage)) (Al-Baqarah 2:198).

Commenting on the above verse, Ibn `Abbas added: The people used to shun business while in Mina, so they were instructed to engage in business or trade while pouring down from `Arafah.

Ibn `Abbas says that a man asked him, “I hire myself to these people to guide them in performing their rites of Hajj; will I have a reward for Hajj?” Ibn `Abbas said, “Yes.” (And then he recited) (To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account) (Al-Baqarah 2:202).

Sheikh `Adil Salahi, a London-based Islamic scholar, states that: There is no religious restriction to prevent a pilgrim from doing any legitimate work. Some people are brought from abroad to work as drivers or cooks or to do some other work during the Hajj season. If they offer Hajj while driving their vehicles or doing their jobs, their Hajj is valid, provided that their contracts permit it. If a person who does not have enough money to cover his expenses during Hajj undertakes the journey nevertheless and works to earn his living, he is entitled to do so. He may not request other pilgrims for financial assistance.