When is hajj 2026?

In 2026, hajj is expected to take place from 25 May 2026 to 30 May, although the exact start date depends on the sighting of the moon.

Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the pilgrimage.

It is a sacred pilgrimage that every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime so long as they are physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage.

Hajj takes place during the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. In 2026, this will fall during the month of May in the Gregorian Calendar.

As soon as the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world celebrate the four-day festival, Eid al-Adha.

Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts 5 to 6 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.

The hajj pilgrimage is comprised of a series of rites and rituals, some of which must be performed in order.

It can be physically demanding, as pilgrims are required to travel between locations throughout, and can walk up to 15km per day. Performing hajj can be a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge all at once, and, for many, it is a once in a lifetime event.

It offers Muslims the opportunity to refresh their spiritual selves, to cleanse themselves of sin and draw closer to Allah (SWT).

Here are the key days of hajj:

8 Dhul-Hijjah – Pilgrims enter ihram, set their intention for hajj and travel to Mina, where they spend the night praying and preparing.

9 Dhul-Hijjah – This is the Day of Arafah, considered to be the most important day of hajj. Pilgrims stand at the Plain of Arafat for supplication and reflection, before travelling to Muzdalifah for the night.

10 Dhul-Hijjah – On this day, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah, offer a sacrifice, cut or shave their hair, followed by Tawaf al-Ifadah, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.

11-13 Dhul-Hijjah – These are the Tashreeq days, where pilgrims stay in Mina and perform the stoning of all three Jamarat each day before leaving once their rites are complete.

You can find out more about hajj here.

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