Dhul Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. The Day of Arafah falls on May 26, and Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026 , subject to moon sighting confirmation.

Did you know there are days in the Islamic calendar even greater in virtue than the last ten nights of Ramadan? Most Muslims are familiar with Ramadan’s power , but Dhul Hijjah 2026 carries a unique, once-a-year window that no believer should miss. Whether you are going to Hajj or staying home, these days belong to you.

This guide covers everything you need: the Dhul Hijjah 2026 calendar, fasting rules, Dhikr, Qurbani, and a practical day-by-day worship plan , so you can make every single hour count.

What Is Dhul Hijjah 2026?

The word Dhul Hijjah (ذو الحجة) means “The Month of the Pilgrimage.” It is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar , the month in which Hajj takes place, and the month in which Allah blessed this Ummah with its most sacred days.

Its Place in the Islamic Lunar Calendar

Dhul Hijjah follows Dhul Qa’dah and closes the Islamic year. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, it is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year , which is why the dates of Dhul Hijjah shift each year. In 2026, it falls in late May and June, during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why Is It One of the Four Sacred Months?

Allah designated four months as sacred (حرام) in Islam: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah, and Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ confirmed this, saying:

“إنَّ الزَّمانَ قد استدار كهيئتِه يومَ خلق اللهُ السَّماواتِ والأرضَ…”

“The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is of twelve months, of which four are sacred…”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3197)

Warfare was traditionally forbidden in these months, and acts of worship carry an even greater weight during them.

When Does Dhul Hijjah 2026 Start?

The question “when does Dhul Hijjah start 2026?” is one of the most searched Islamic queries this season. Based on astronomical calculations and the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, Dhul Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. The exact date is subject to moon sighting, and may vary by one day depending on your country or local authority.

If you want to track the Dhul Hijjah 2026 calendar day by day, bookmark the table below and return to it each morning during the blessed ten days.

Full Dhul Hijjah 2026 Calendar

Day	Gregorian Date	Event
1 Dhul Hijjah	May 18, 2026	Month Begins
2–7 Dhul Hijjah	May 19–24, 2026	Days of Worship & Fasting
8 Dhul Hijjah	May 25, 2026	Yawm al-Tarwiyah , Hajj Begins (Mina)
9 Dhul Hijjah	May 26, 2026	Day of Arafah , Greatest Day of the Year
10 Dhul Hijjah	May 27, 2026	Eid al-Adha , Festival of Sacrifice
11–13 Dhul Hijjah	May 28–30, 2026	Ayyam al-Tashreeq

Why Do the Dates Shift Every Year?

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, with each month lasting 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s sighting. This means the Islamic year is about 10–11 days shorter than the solar year, causing the month of Dhul Hijjah , and all Islamic occasions , to move forward each year through the Gregorian calendar.

Why Are the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah So Special?

Many Muslims wonder: are these days really that important? The answer comes directly from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah , and it is extraordinary.

What the Quran Says (Surah Al-Fajr 89:1–2)

Allah Himself swears an oath by these ten nights in the Quran , and in Islamic tradition, an oath by Allah signals that what is sworn by is of immense importance:

وَٱلْفَجْرِ ١ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ ٢

“By the dawn. And by the ten nights.”

(Surah Al-Fajr, 89:1–2)

Ibn Abbas (R), Ibn al-Zubayr (R), and the great mufassir Mujahid (R) all confirmed these “ten nights” refer to the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah. Imam Ibn Kathir stated: “This is the correct opinion.”

What the Prophet ﷺ Said , The Hadith of Ibn Abbas (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly stated the superiority of these days in a famous narration:

“ما من أيامٍ العملُ الصالحُ فيها أحبُّ إلى اللهِ من هذه الأيامِ العشرةِ”

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked: “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and his wealth and does not return with either of them.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)

Are These Days Better Than the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan?

This is a well-known scholarly discussion. The majority view holds that the ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better in their days, while Ramadan’s last ten nights are better in their nights. Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah summarised it well: the daytime of Dhul Hijjah’s first ten days is superior, because it includes the Day of Arafah , the greatest day of the Islamic year.

Why These Days Combine All 5 Pillars of Islam?

One reason scholars elevate these days above all others is that they uniquely unite all five pillars of Islam in a single window:

• Shahadah , renewed through Takbeer and remembrance of Allah
• Salah , increased voluntary prayers throughout the nights and days
• Zakat/Sadaqah , charity given in multiplied reward
• Sawm , fasting the first nine days, especially the Day of Arafah
• Hajj , performed by millions of pilgrims during these same days

Fasting in Dhul Hijjah , Is It Obligatory or Sunnah?

One of the most common questions is about fasting for Dhul Hijjah: is it required? The short answer is: fasting the first nine days is Sunnah , not obligatory , but it carries enormous reward. The Prophet ﷺ himself observed these fasts.

One of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ narrated: “The Messenger of Allah used to fast the nine days of Dhul Hijjah, the day of ‘Ashurah, and three days of each month.” (Abu Dawood)

Even fasting a single day in these nine days is a virtuous act. And the reward is staggering , the Prophet ﷺ said that fasting each day is equivalent to fasting an entire year. (Ibn Majah)

The Day of Arafah Fast , Why It Wipes Away Two Years of Sins

The Day of Arafah 2026 falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. This is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah and the single most virtuous day in the entire Islamic calendar , described by scholars as the day Allah is most near.

For those NOT performing Hajj, fasting on this day is one of the greatest acts of worship available:

“صيامُ يومِ عَرفةَ، أَحتسبُ على اللهِ أن يُكفِّرَ السَّنةَ التي قَبلَهُ والسَّنةَ التي بعدَهُ”

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah , I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the year before it and the year after it.”

(Sahih Muslim, 1162)

This means a single day of fasting wipes clean two full years of minor sins. This is why the Day of Arafah fast is the single most recommended fast outside of Ramadan.

Important: If you are a Hajj pilgrim standing at Arafat on this day, you should NOT fast. The physical demands of Hajj take priority, and the reward of standing at Arafat itself far surpasses fasting.

Can You Fast on Eid al-Adha? (Forbidden Days)

Day	Fasting Status	Reward
Days 1–8	Highly Recommended (Sunnah)	Each day = fasting a full year
Day 9 , Arafah	STRONGLY Emphasised	Expiates 2 years of sins
Day 10 , Eid	FORBIDDEN (Haram)	Celebration , no fasting allowed
Days 11–13 Tashreeq	Prohibited (majority view)	Days of eating & drinking

Fasting is strictly prohibited on Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah). Eid is a day of celebration, gratitude, and sharing food , fasting contradicts its very spirit. The Days of Tashreeq (11–13 Dhul Hijjah) are also considered forbidden for fasting by the majority of scholars.

Practical Tips for Fasting in Summer 2026

Dhul Hijjah 2026 falls in May , days will be long in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are practical tips to manage the fast:

• Eat a nourishing Suhoor with complex carbs (oats, eggs, whole grains) and plenty of water
• Avoid excessive physical exertion in the midday heat , rest if possible
• Make intention (niyyah) the night before for each fast
• If unable to fast all nine days, prioritise Day 9 , the Day of Arafah above all else
• Combine fasting with Dhikr and Quran recitation for maximum spiritual depth

Dhikr & Takbeer in Dhul Hijjah

The importance of the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is also expressed through constant remembrance of Allah. The Quran itself instructs believers in Surah Al-Hajj:

وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ

“…and mention the name of Allah on known days.”

(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28)

The scholars confirm these “known days” are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fill them with Takbeer, Tahmeed, and Tahleel.

The Correct Wording of Takbeer

The most well-known wording, narrated from Imam Ahmad and confirmed by scholars:

الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله، والله أكبر، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha ill-Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahi’l-hamd.”

(Ibn Abi Shaybah , narrated from Ibn Mas’ud)

Unrestricted Takbeer vs. Restricted Takbeer , What Is the Difference?

• Unrestricted Takbeer (Mutlaq): Begins on Day 1 (May 18) and continues throughout all ten days , recited at any time, in any place.
• Restricted Takbeer (Muqayyad): Said after every obligatory prayer, beginning from the Fajr of the Day of Arafah (Day 9) until the Asr of the last Day of Tashreeq (Day 13). This applies to all Muslims, whether performing Hajj or not.

When Does Takbeer Start and When Does It End?

• Unrestricted Takbeer: starts at 1 Dhul Hijjah (May 18) , say it throughout your day
• Restricted Takbeer: starts at Fajr of Arafah Day (May 26) and ends at Asr of May 30
• Say it aloud in mosques, markets, homes , it is a public Sunnah

Other Recommended Dhikr Formulas for These Days

• Tahleel: La ilaha ill-Allah (لا إله إلا الله)
• Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله)
• Tasbeeh: SubhanAllah (سبحان الله)
• Istighfar: Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله) , seek forgiveness abundantly
• Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ , especially on Fridays within these ten days

What Is Qurbani and Who Must Perform It?

Qurbani (القربان) , also called Udhiyah , is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal on Eid al-Adha and the Days of Tashreeq. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and Allah’s mercy in providing a ram as a substitute. Understanding the rules for Eid ul Adha sacrifice is essential for every Muslim household.

Rules, Eligible Animals & Conditions

Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) according to the Hanafi school, and Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly confirmed) according to the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools , for every Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold.

Eligible animals include: sheep or goat (for one person), cattle or camel (shared by up to seven people). The animal must be healthy, free of defects, and meet minimum age requirements.

When Does Qurbani Start and End?

Qurbani begins after the Eid prayer on Day 10 (May 27) and ends at sunset of Day 13 (May 30, 2026). It cannot be performed before the Eid prayer, and should not be delayed unnecessarily beyond Day 10.

The meat should be divided into three portions: one for your household, one for friends and relatives, and one for those in need.

The Hair and Nails Rule , What Scholars Say

If you intend to perform Qurbani, it is strongly recommended not to cut your hair or trim your nails from 1 Dhul Hijjah (May 18) until after your sacrifice. This is based on a hadith narrated by Umm Salamah (RA) in Sahih Muslim , the person offering Qurbani participates symbolically in the state of the Hajj pilgrim.

This applies only to the one performing the sacrifice , not to all family members, though some scholars recommend it for the whole household.

Hajj 2026 , A Day-by-Day Overview

For the estimated 1.8–2 million pilgrims making Hajj this year, these are the sacred rites during Dhul Hijjah 2026:

Day 8 , Yawm al-Tarwiyah (Mina) , May 25

Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram and travel to Mina, where they spend the day and night in worship and preparation. This day is called Tarwiyah , the day of quenching thirst , as pilgrims traditionally gathered water for the journey to Arafat.

Day 9 , Yawm Arafah , May 26

The greatest pillar of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at the plain of Arafat from midday until sunset , making du’a, weeping, and seeking forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ declared: “Hajj IS Arafah.” (Abu Dawood) Missing this standing invalidates the entire Hajj.

After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah and spend the night under the open sky in remembrance of Allah.

Day 10 , Eid Day, Stoning & Tawaf al-Ifadah , May 27

Pilgrims stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah (the large pillar), perform Qurbani, shave or cut their hair, and perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah (the obligatory circumambulation of the Ka’bah). This day marks the peak of Hajj.

Days 11–13 , Ayyam al-Tashreeq , May 28–30

The pilgrims remain in Mina, stoning the three Jamarat pillars each day. These are also days of eating, drinking, and celebrating , fasting is prohibited. Pilgrims may leave Mina after Day 12 (Nefr Awwal) or stay until Day 13 (Nefr Thani).

If You Are Not Going to Hajj , How to Feel Connected

You don’t need to be in Makkah to share in the blessings. Fast, make Takbeer, give charity, recite Quran, and make sincere du’a at the time the pilgrims are standing at Arafat (after Dhuhr on May 26). Many scholars say the du’a made at this time , even from home , is profoundly answered.

Your Practical Day-by-Day Worship Plan for Dhul Hijjah 2026

Days 1–8 (May 18–25): Morning, Afternoon & Night

Every Morning: Rise for Fajr and make the intention to fast. Begin your day with Takbeer. Read a portion of the Quran , even one page is a blessing in these days.

Every Afternoon: Give some form of Sadaqah , however small. Make Dhikr during daily activities. Remember: even saying SubhanAllah while driving or cooking counts.

Every Night: Pray Isha in congregation if possible. Add Tahajjud or Witr. Make sincere du’a , these nights are answered-prayer territory. End with Istighfar.

Day 9 , Arafah (May 26): Hour-by-Hour Guide

• Fajr: Fast begins. Make du’a. Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 11 times after Fajr prayer.
• Morning: Takbeer, Tahmeed, Tahleel. Read Quran. Make a personal du’a list.
• Dhuhr–Asr: This is the time of Wuquf (standing) at Arafat. Sit in a quiet place, raise your hands, and pour out your heart to Allah. This is the holiest window of the year.
• After Maghrib: Break your fast. Give charity. Make Takbeer for Eid tomorrow.
• Night: Make Takbeer. Prepare for Eid. Pray Isha and sleep with gratitude.

Day 10 , Eid al-Adha (May 27): Sunnah Acts

• Wake up early and perform Ghusl (full bath)
• Wear your best, clean clothes and apply perfume
• Do NOT eat before Eid prayer , break fast with the Qurbani meat
• Walk to the Eid prayer if possible, reciting Takbeer aloud along the way
• After prayer and Qurbani: greet your community with Eid Mubarak
• Share Qurbani meat generously , especially with those in need

Days 11–13 , Ayyam al-Tashreeq (May 28–30): Don’t Waste Them

These days are often overlooked , but they are still part of the blessed season. The Takbeer continues. Charity is still multiplied. And the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hajj (22:32):

وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ

“And whoever honours the symbols of Allah , indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”

(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:32)

Use these days to visit family, maintain ties of kinship, and reflect on the spiritual journey of Dhul Hijjah before the new Islamic year begins.

Why Giving in These Days Carries Multiplied Reward

Just as good deeds are multiplied in Ramadan, charity given during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah carries an extraordinary weight. The general principle in Islamic scholarship is that righteous deeds , and Sadaqah is among the greatest , are more beloved to Allah in these days than at any other time.

This makes Dhul Hijjah one of the most powerful seasons for a Muslim to give: your wealth goes further, and the reward is immeasurable.

Best Forms of Charity During Dhul Hijjah

• Qurbani (sacrifice) , the signature act of this season
• Feeding the poor and the fasting , even one meal carries great reward
• Supporting orphans and widows in your community
• Contributing to Islamic education projects , sadaqah jariyah (ongoing reward)
• Giving to relief efforts in crisis-affected Muslim communities worldwide

Dhul Hijjah is a rare opportunity. Even the smallest act, done sincerely, can carry immense reward. Don’t let these days pass like any other—fill them with remembrance, prayer, and intention. Start now, even if it’s simple. May Allah accept your efforts, forgive your sins, and grant you barakah in these blessed days. Ameen.

FAQ , Dhul Hijjah 2026

When does Dhul Hijjah 2026 start?

Dhul Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. The exact start depends on moon sighting and may vary by one day based on your location and local Islamic authority.

Can I cut my hair or nails in Dhul Hijjah?

If you are intending to perform Qurbani (sacrifice), you should avoid cutting your hair or nails from 1 Dhul Hijjah (May 18) until after your sacrifice on Eid day. This is based on a narration in Sahih Muslim. If you are not performing Qurbani, this restriction does not apply.

How many days should I fast in Dhul Hijjah?

It is Sunnah to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. If you cannot fast all nine, prioritise the Day of Arafah (May 26, 2026) , fasting this single day expiates the sins of two years, according to Sahih Muslim.

What is the difference between Hajj and Eid al-Adha?

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah performed on specific days of Dhul Hijjah (Days 8–13) and is the fifth pillar of Islam. Eid al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice celebrated by all Muslims worldwide on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah , whether or not they perform Hajj.

Is Dhul Hijjah better than Ramadan?

Scholars distinguish between them: the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered superior in their daytime, while the last ten nights of Ramadan are superior in their nighttime. Both are extraordinary windows of mercy , use them both fully.

What if I can only fast one day , which day should it be?

Without question: fast the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah , May 26, 2026). The Prophet ﷺ said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. No other voluntary fast carries this promise.