hajj 2026
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj – the annual pilgrimage to Mecca for circumambulating Kaaba during the month of Dhul-Hijjah – is an obligation to be fulfilled by every able Muslim, at least once in their lives. Hajj symbolizes as a journey that helps Muslims to wipe out their sins and start fresh if one completes the Hajj with pure intention and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW). During Hajj, Muslims follow the same path as established by the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in fulfilment of the rites of the Hajj as instituted by the Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). The pilgrims also trace the path of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) wife Hagar (RA) as she had run between two hillocks of Safa and Marwah seven times in search of water for her toddler son, Ismail (AS).
Alhamdulillah, this year's Hajj occurs in Mecca, Saudi Arabia from 25th of May to 30th of May, 2026, Insha'Allah. The holy days of Arafa and Eid-ul-Adha also fall during this Hajj period. Alim Foundation Team wishes a safe and peaceful Hajj to all Muslims worldwide and prays to almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive all their sins and to shower His blessings upon all the believers. Aameen!
Hajj Rituals: Day-by-Day Guide
A structured breakdown of each sacred day of Hajj in Dhul Hijjah
8th Dhul Hijjah
Day of Tarwiyah
Beginning of Hajj
- ➤ Enter into the state of Ihram
- ➤ Make intention (niyyah) for Hajj
- ➤ Recite the Talbiyah frequently
- ➤ Travel to Mina
Prayers
- ● Dhuhr
- ● Asr
- ● Maghrib
- ● Isha
- ● Fajr (next day)
Prayers are shortened (qasr), not combined.
9th Dhul Hijjah
Day of Arafah
The most important day of Hajj
- ➤ Travel to Arafah
- ➤ Perform Wuquf (standing at Arafah)
- ➤ Engage in Du'a, Dhikr, and Repentance
- ➤ Remain in Arafah until sunset
Prayers
- ● Dhuhr and Asr (combined)
After Sunset:
- ● Travel to Muzdalifah
- ● Pray Maghrib and Isha combined
- ● Collect pebbles
- ● Spend the night
10th Dhul Hijjah
Eid al-Adha / Day of Sacrifice
The most eventful day
- ➤ Rami — 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah)
- ➤ Qurbani (Sacrifice)
- ➤ Halq or Taqsir — men shave or trim hair; women trim a small portion
- ➤ Tawaf al-Ifadah
- ➤ Sa'i (if required)
After this, most Ihram restrictions are lifted.
11th Dhul Hijjah
First Day of Tashreeq
Stay in Mina
- ➤ Perform Rami at all three Jamarat (Small, Middle, Large) — 7 pebbles each
- ➤ Increase dhikr, takbeer, and du'a
12th Dhul Hijjah
Second Day of Tashreeq
- ➤ Repeat Rami at all three Jamarat
- ➤ Continue remembrance of Allah
- ➤ Option: pilgrims may leave Mina before sunset, or stay for an additional day
13th Dhul Hijjah
Final Day of Tashreeq
Optional — for those who remain
- ➤ Perform Rami at all three Jamarat again
- ➤ Engage in dhikr and supplication
Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada)
Before leaving Makkah:
- ➤ Perform Tawaf al-Wada
- ➤ This is the final rite of Hajj
- ➤ Marks completion of the pilgrimage
Spiritual Insight
Each day of Hajj represents:
Submission to Allah
Following the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Unity and equality among Muslims
A journey of purification and renewal
Dhul Hijjah: Virtues, Fasting & Remembrance
Making the most of the most blessed days of the Islamic year
First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah 2026
Based on expected moon sightings. Dates may vary.
- 1st Dhul Hijjah 18 May 2026
- Hajj begins 25 May 2026
- Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) 26 May 2026
- Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) 27 May 2026
Virtues of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year. They combine multiple acts of worship — prayer, fasting, charity, remembrance, Hajj, and sacrifice.
"There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days…"
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
Fasting during the first nine days is a highly recommended Sunnah. A Hadith Qudsi reminds us:
"All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me, and I shall reward for it."
Benefits of Fasting
- ➤ Increases spiritual discipline
- ➤ Multiplies rewards
- ➤ Serves as a means of forgiveness
- ➤ Strengthens sincerity and devotion
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
If one cannot fast all nine days, fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) is especially emphasized.
"Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one."
Remembrance (Dhikr) in Dhul Hijjah
"…so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer, and tahmeed during them."
-
Tahmeed
الحمد لله
Al-hamdu Lillah — All praise is due to Allah
-
Tahleel
لا إله إلا الله
Laa ilaha ill-Allah — There is no god but Allah
-
Tasbeeh
سبحان الله
Subhaan-Allah — Glory be to Allah
Takbeer of Dhul Hijjah
ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ، ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ would recite the takbeer aloud in marketplaces, and others would join upon hearing it.
Sunnah Acts for Eid al-Adha
Before the Eid Prayer
- ➤ Perform ghusl
- ➤ Eat before leaving for prayer
- ➤ Wear your best clothes
- ➤ Apply fragrance
On the Way to Prayer
- ➤ Recite takbeer after Fajr
- ➤ Walk to the place of prayer
- ➤ Use a different route on return
During the Day
- ➤ Perform Eid prayer
- ➤ Offer Qurbani
- ➤ Spend time with family
- ➤ Exchange gifts
Qurbani: A Legacy of Faith, A Gift of Compassion
Honoring the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) through devotion, submission, and generosity this Eid al-Adha
Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed?
| Animal | Min. Age | Shares |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep / Goats | 1 year old | 1 person's Qurbani |
| Cows / Buffalo | 2 years old | 7 people's Qurbani |
| Camels | 5 years old | 7 people's Qurbani |
Conditions for the Animal
All animals must be healthy and free from defects to ensure the sacrifice is made with dignity and sincerity.
- ✕ Must not be excessively thin or weak
- ✓ Must be able to walk on their own
- ✕ Must not be toothless or missing most of their teeth
- ✕ Must not be blind or one-eyed
- ✕ Must not have a severe limp that prevents proper walking
How to Perform Qurbani
Qurbani must be carried out in a humane and ethical manner, following Islamic principles:
- ➤ Use a sharp knife to minimize suffering
- ➤ Do not sharpen the knife in front of the animal
- ➤ Do not slaughter one animal in front of another
- ➤ Recite: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" at the time of slaughter
- ➤ Do not skin the animal until it has completely cooled
How to Distribute Qurbani Meat
It is recommended to divide the meat into three equal parts, reflecting sharing, generosity, and social responsibility:
Who Can Receive Qurbani Meat?
Priority should be given to those most in need. Eligible recipients include:
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Learn MoreQuran ayaaths about Hajj
Remember when We made the House (the Ka'bah) a center and sanctuary for humankind saying, "Take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer;" We entrusted Ibrahim and Isma`il to cleanse Our House for those who walk around it, who meditate in it, and who kneel and prostrate in prayers. (Quran 2:125)
More ➜Behold! Safa and Marwah (two hills in the Sacred Mosque) are among the symbols of Allah. So anyone who performs Hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage) to the House, there is no blame if one goes around both of them; and anyone who does good voluntarily should know that surely Allah knows the grateful. (Quran 2:158)
More ➜Hajj is in the well known months. He who undertakes to perform it must abstain from husband-wife relationship, obscene language, and wrangling during Hajj. Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. Take necessary provisions with you for the journey, and piety is the best provision of all. Fear Me, O people endowed with understanding. (Quran 2:197)
More ➜In it are clear signs and the Station of Ibrahim (Abraham) where he used to worship. Whoever enters it is safe. Performance of Hajj (pilgrimage) to this House is a duty to Allah for all who can afford the journey to it; and the one who disobeys this commandment should know that Allah is Self-sufficient, beyond the need of anyone from the worlds. (Quran 3:97)
More ➜Hadiths about Hajj
Abdullah (bin Mas'ud) narrated that: The Messenger of Allah said: "Alternate between Hajj and Umrah; for those two remove poverty and sins just as the bellows removes filth from iron, gold, and silver - and there is no reward for Al-Hajj Al-Mabrur except for Paradise." (Al-Tirmidhi)
More ➜It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that The Messenger Of Allah (SAW) said: "From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for whatever(of sin) comes in between, and an accepted Hajj (Al-Hajjul-Mabrur) brings no reward but Paradise." (Sahih Muslim)
More ➜Aishah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When one of you has performed Hajj, he should hasten back to his family, for that will increase his reward." Ad-Darqutni reported this. (Fiqh-us-Sunnah)
More ➜Narrated as-Sa'ib al-Ansari: Khalid ibn as-Sa'ib al-Ansari on his father's authority reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: "Gabriel came to me and commanded me to order my Companions to raise their voices in talbiyah." (Sunan of Abu-Dawood)
More ➜