Hajj 2026 Date: Confirmed Schedule, Rituals & Du'as (Complete Guide)
Hajj 2026 is confirmed to take place from Monday, 25 May to Saturday, 30 May 2026 (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The Day of Arafah falls on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Final confirmation comes from the Saudi Supreme Court after sighting the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, expected around 16–17 May 2026.
With Hajj 2026 just days away, the first pilgrim flights have already arrived in Madinah and Jeddah, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to welcome an estimated two million pilgrims. Whether you are travelling to Makkah this year or observing the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah from home, this guide gives you everything you need: the exact Hajj 2026 dates, a complete day-by-day ritual sequence from Ihram to Tawaf al-Wida, the essential du’as in Arabic with translation, and how to earn Hajj-like rewards even if you are not on the pilgrimage.
Table of Contents
When Is Hajj 2026? The Confirmed Date
Hajj 2026 will be performed during Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The pilgrimage officially begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and concludes on the 13th. Because the Islamic year is roughly eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Hajj 2026 date falls earlier on the Western calendar than Hajj 2025 did.
The expected Hajj 2026 dates are:
- Start of Hajj: Monday, 25 May 2026 (8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- Day of Arafah: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- Eid ul Adha: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- End of Hajj: Saturday, 30 May 2026 (13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
These dates follow the official Umm al-Qura calendar used in Saudi Arabia. If the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon is not sighted on the expected night, all dates shift forward by one day. We will update this page the moment the Saudi Supreme Court issues the final announcement, insha’Allah.
Hajj 2026 Day-by-Day Schedule
| Hijri Date | Gregorian Date | Day | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Dhul Hijjah | Mon, 25 May 2026 | Yawm at-Tarwiyah | Enter Ihram, travel to Mina |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah | Tue, 26 May 2026 | Day of Arafah | Standing at Arafat, night in Muzdalifah |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah | Wed, 27 May 2026 | Eid ul Adha | Stoning, Qurbani, Tawaf al-Ifadah |
| 11 Dhul Hijjah | Thu, 28 May 2026 | Days of Tashreeq (Day 1) | Stoning all three Jamarat |
| 12 Dhul Hijjah | Fri, 29 May 2026 | Days of Tashreeq (Day 2) | Stoning all three Jamarat |
| 13 Dhul Hijjah | Sat, 30 May 2026 | Days of Tashreeq (Day 3) | Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf) |
Prepare for Hajj 2026 the Right Way
Whether you are travelling to Makkah this year or staying home, the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah carry the greatest reward of the entire Islamic year. Bushra Quran Academy offers one-to-one online classes for Tajweed, Hifz, and the essential du’as recited during Hajj and Eid ul Adha. Book your free 3-day trial → and start with a qualified teacher today.
Hajj 2026 Step-by-Step Rituals: From Ihram to Tawaf al-Wida
The pilgrimage is performed over six days, with each day carrying its own rites, du’as, and deep spiritual significance. Below is the complete sequence pilgrims will follow during Hajj 2026.
Day 1 — 8 Dhul Hijjah (Monday, 25 May 2026): Yawm at-Tarwiyah
The first day of Hajj is known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah — “the Day of Quenching” — named so because, in the era before modern water systems, pilgrims would quench their thirst on this day in preparation for the journey ahead.
Pilgrims perform ghusl, enter the sacred state of Ihram at the designated miqat, declare their intention (niyyah) for Hajj, and begin reciting the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly all praise, grace, and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”
Pilgrims then travel from Makkah to Mina, a tent city around 8 kilometres east of the Holy Mosque, where they spend the day and night offering Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in shortened form.
Day 2 — 9 Dhul Hijjah (Tuesday, 26 May 2026): The Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is the spiritual peak of Hajj 2026 — and the most sacred day of the entire Islamic year. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah.” Missing the standing at Arafat invalidates the entire pilgrimage.
After Fajr in Mina, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat, around 20 kilometres from Makkah. From Dhuhr until sunset they stand in supplication — this standing is called Wuquf. They combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr, then spend the rest of the day in du’a, dhikr, Quran recitation, and seeking forgiveness.
The most famous du’a recited on the Day of Arafah is the one the Prophet ﷺ himself recited:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.
For Muslims not performing Hajj 2026, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended — the Prophet ﷺ said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim).
After sunset, pilgrims depart for Muzdalifah, where they pray Maghrib and Isha combined, gather around 70 pebbles for the stoning ritual the next day, and sleep under the open sky.
Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah (Wednesday, 27 May 2026): Eid ul Adha
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid ul Adha — the Festival of Sacrifice — and the busiest ritual day of the entire pilgrimage. Pilgrims complete four major rituals in sequence:
- Ramy al-Jamarat — Return to Mina before sunrise and stone the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah) with seven pebbles, proclaiming “Allahu Akbar” with each throw. This commemorates Prophet Ibrahim (AS) rejecting Shaytan’s temptation.
- Qurbani — Offer the animal sacrifice in remembrance of Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS).
- Halq or Taqsir — Men shave their heads completely (halq, more rewarded) or trim (taqsir); women cut a fingertip length from their hair.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah — Travel to the Kaaba and perform seven circuits, followed by Sa’i between Safa and Marwa (commemorating Hajar’s search for water for baby Ismail).
Across the world, the same day is celebrated as Eid ul Adha. While pilgrims complete these rituals in Makkah, Muslims everywhere offer the Eid prayer, perform Qurbani where they are able, and distribute meat to family, neighbours, and those in need.
Days 4–6 — 11, 12, 13 Dhul Hijjah (28–30 May 2026): Days of Tashreeq
The final three days of Hajj 2026 are the Days of Tashreeq. Pilgrims remain in Mina and perform the stoning of all three Jamarat — small (Sughra), middle (Wusta), and large (Aqabah) — each day after Dhuhr.
The Takbeerat at-Tashreeq are recited aloud after every obligatory prayer from Fajr on 9 Dhul Hijjah until Asr on 13 Dhul Hijjah:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi-l-hamd.
Before leaving Makkah, every pilgrim performs Tawaf al-Wida — the Farewell Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times. This is wajib (obligatory); missing it without a valid excuse requires a compensatory sacrifice (dam). Women in their menstrual period are exempt.
The Three Types of Hajj 2026
Pilgrims can perform Hajj 2026 in one of three forms. Choosing the right one depends on your circumstances and your scholar’s guidance.
- Hajj Tamattu — Perform Umrah first, exit Ihram, then re-enter Ihram for Hajj. This is the most common and most recommended for first-time pilgrims, as it follows the practice the Prophet ﷺ ordered his companions to follow.
- Hajj Qiran — Combine Umrah and Hajj in a single state of Ihram, without exiting in between. Requires a sacrifice.
- Hajj Ifrad — Perform Hajj only, without Umrah. No sacrifice required.
Hajj 2026 in the Quran
The pilgrimage is mentioned in detail across several Quranic chapters. Reflecting on these ayahs during Hajj 2026 deepens both the experience for pilgrims and the spiritual benefit for those at home.
Allah says in Surah Aal-Imran (3:97):
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”
And in Surah Al-Hajj (22:27):
“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.”
Reflecting on Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196–203), Surah Al-Hajj, and the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in Surah As-Saffat (37:99–113) gives pilgrims and observers alike a deeper understanding of why every ritual exists.
How Muslims at Home Can Earn Hajj 2026 Rewards
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are described by the Prophet ﷺ as the most beloved days to Allah for righteous deeds — even more beloved than the last ten nights of Ramadan in this respect (Sahih al-Bukhari). Even if you are not performing Hajj 2026 in person, you can earn enormous reward by:
- Fasting on the Day of Arafah (26 May 2026) — expiates two years of minor sins.
- Reciting Takbeerat at-Tashreeq aloud after every fard prayer from Fajr on 9 Dhul Hijjah until Asr on 13 Dhul Hijjah.
- Increasing Quran recitation — especially Surah Al-Hajj, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196–203), and the story of Ibrahim (AS).
- Giving charity in any amount — reward is multiplied more than at any other time of the year.
- Performing Qurbani on Eid ul Adha, in your own home or through a verified charity.
- Making sincere du’a and tawbah — particularly during the hours between Dhuhr and Maghrib on the Day of Arafah, when du’a is most accepted.
Common Mistakes Pilgrims Make During Hajj
Even prepared pilgrims fall into avoidable mistakes. Watch for these during Hajj 2026:
- Not learning the rituals before arrival. Hajj moves fast — there is no time to learn on the spot. Attend a Hajj preparation class at your mosque or take a short course.
- Breaking Ihram rules without realising. Common slips include using scented soap, covering the head (for men), trimming nails or hair, and arguing with companions.
- Missing the standing at Arafat. Wuquf is the pillar of Hajj — missing it invalidates the entire pilgrimage.
- Rushing through Tawaf without focus. Each circuit is a conversation with Allah, not a step counter.
- Forgetting Tawaf al-Wida. Leaving Makkah without performing it requires a dam (compensatory sacrifice).
- Neglecting physical preparation. Pilgrims walk 5–15 kilometres a day in 40°C+ heat. Build stamina well before departure.
Preparing Spiritually for Hajj 2026
Many Muslims feel a deep spiritual longing during Hajj season, even when they cannot travel. The best response is to deepen your connection with the Quran. Pilgrims travelling to Makkah benefit enormously from knowing the Talbiyah, the du’a of Arafah, and the basic Tajweed needed to recite Quranic ayahs correctly during the journey. Muslims at home benefit from increased recitation, reflection, and Quranic study during these blessed ten days.
At Bushra Quran Academy, our certified male and female teachers help students at every level — from absolute beginners learning Noorani Qaida to advanced students perfecting Tajweed and Hifz. Many of our students take a short course leading up to Hajj 2026 and Eid ul Adha to strengthen their Talbiyah, learn the du’as of Arafah, and understand the meaning behind every ritual their fellow Muslims are performing in Makkah.
Hajj 2026 vs Umrah: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Hajj 2026 | Umrah |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Obligatory once in a lifetime (if able) | Highly recommended, optional |
| Timing | Only 8–13 Dhul Hijjah | Any time of year (except Hajj week) |
| Duration | 5–6 days | A few hours |
| Major rituals | Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Wuquf at Arafah, Muzdalifah, Stoning, Qurbani, Tawaf al-Ifadah, Farewell Tawaf | Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq/Taqsir |
| Costs (avg) | $5,000–$15,000+ | $1,000–$3,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hajj 2026
What is the confirmed Hajj 2026 date?
When is the Day of Arafah in 2026?
When is Eid ul Adha 2026?
How many pilgrims will perform Hajj 2026?
How long does Hajj 2026 last?
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