The dates for Hajj 2026 are now confirmed. Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH begins on Monday, May 18, 2026, with the Day of Arafah falling on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27. These dates align with the Umm al-Qura calendar and have been confirmed by Qatar and multiple astronomical authorities across the Muslim world.

The Confirmed Hajj 2026 Schedule

  • Monday May 18: 1st Dhul Hijjah - first day of the blessed ten days. Fasting from this day until the 9th is highly recommended for Muslims not performing Hajj.
  • Sunday May 24: 7th Dhul Hijjah - pilgrims in Makkah begin preparing for Hajj. Final Umrah for Tamattu' pilgrims must be completed before tomorrow.
  • Monday May 25 (8th Dhul Hijjah - Yawm al-Tarwiyah): Pilgrims enter Ihram for Hajj, move to Mina. Hajj officially begins.
  • Tuesday May 26 (9th Dhul Hijjah - Day of Arafah): The pillar of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at Arafat from after Dhuhr until Maghrib. For non-pilgrims, fasting this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim 1162).
  • Tuesday May 26 evening: Pilgrims depart Arafat at sunset for Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and Isha combined. Collect pebbles. Rest.
  • Wednesday May 27 (10th Dhul Hijjah - Eid al-Adha): Depart Muzdalifah at dawn. Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba (large pillar). Sacrifice. Shave or cut hair. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i. Return to Mina.
  • Thursday May 28 (11th Dhul Hijjah): First day of Tashreeq. Stone all three Jamarat after Dhuhr.
  • Friday May 29 (12th Dhul Hijjah): Second day of Tashreeq. Stone all three Jamarat. Pilgrims may leave Mina after stoning if departing before Maghrib.
  • Saturday May 30 (13th Dhul Hijjah - optional): Third day of Tashreeq for those who stayed. Final stoning. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada'). Hajj concludes.

What This Means for Pilgrims Already in Saudi Arabia

If you are already in Makkah or Madinah, the countdown is now precise:

  • 10 days until Hajj begins (May 25)
  • 11 days until the Day of Arafah (May 26)
  • If you are in Madinah, you must travel to Makkah in time to complete Umrah (for Tamattu' pilgrims) before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah
  • Confirm your Mina tent assignment, sacrifice arrangement, and group transport schedule with your operator immediately

What This Means for Muslims Worldwide

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah have begun. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days" - referring to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Bukhari 969).

Recommended acts during these days:

  • Fasting - particularly the Day of Arafah (May 26) for those not performing Hajj
  • Increased dhikr - takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahleel (La ilaha illallah), and tahmeed (Alhamdulillah)
  • Quran recitation and extra prayers
  • Charity and good deeds of all kinds
  • Arrange your Qurbani (Udhiyah) if you have not already - it should be performed on Eid day or during the three days of Tashreeq

Eid al-Adha Prayer Times

Eid al-Adha prayer is performed on the morning of Wednesday, May 27. The prayer is typically held 15-20 minutes after sunrise. Check with your local mosque for the exact time in your city. The Eid prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (some scholars consider it obligatory) and should not be missed.