Dhul Hijjah 2026 Dates: When is Hajj and Eid al-Adha?

📅 Quick Dates for Dhul Hijjah 2026 (1447 AH)

Note: The exact dates are subject to the local sighting of the new moon.

• 1st of Dhul Hijjah (Start of the month): Expected on Monday, May 18, 2026
• Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah): Expected on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
• Eid al-Adha (10th of Dhul Hijjah): Expected on Wednesday, May 27, 2026

What is Dhul Hijjah?

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Its literal meaning is "The Month of Pilgrimage," as it is the month when Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the most blessed days of the entire year in the Islamic faith.

The Significance of the First 10 Days

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasized the immense value of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims are encouraged to:

1. Fast: Particularly on the 9th day (Day of Arafah). Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
2. Dhikr: Reciting Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tahlil (La ilaha illallah).
3. Charity (Sadaqah): Giving to those in need is highly rewarded during these sacred days.
4. Qurbani (Udhiyah): Sacrificing an animal on Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Hajj start in 2026?

Hajj rituals begin on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah — expected to be Monday, May 25, 2026. The pilgrimage concludes around May 29 or 30, 2026.

When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, anticipated to be Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Why do the dates vary?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the start of each month is determined by moon sighting. The lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so Islamic holidays shift earlier each year.

Use our free Hijri Date Converter tool to find out the Islamic date for any day of the year!