## Projected Dates for হজ্জ 2026
হজ্জ 2026 corresponds to the হজ্জ of 1448 AH in the Islamic calendar. Based on astronomical calculations, the month of Dhul Hijjah 1448 is projected to begin around May 18-19, 2026, placing the core হজ্জ days in late May. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is projected for approximately May 26, 2026, and Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) for approximately May 27, 2026. However, it is essential to understand that these are projections — actual dates are confirmed by the Saudi authorities based on the sighting of the crescent moon, which can shift dates by a day or two. Final confirmation typically comes 1-2 days before the month of Dhul Hijjah begins.
## The Complete হজ্জ Schedule
হজ্জ follows a precise sequence over five to six days. Understanding this schedule allows you to mentally prepare for each day's demands. The 7th of Dhul Hijjah is typically when হাজীগণ performing হজ্জ al-Tamattu' re-enter ইহরাম from their hotels in মক্কা মুকাররমা, prepare their day bags for the হজ্জ days, and attend final briefings from their tour operators. This is your last day of normal hotel accommodation before the intense ritual days begin. Use it to rest, hydrate, finalize your packing, and make your spiritual preparations.
## Day 1: 8th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Tarwiyah
On the morning of the 8th, হাজীগণ in ইহরাম depart মক্কা মুকাররমা for মিনা, approximately 8 kilometers away. Travel is by bus organized by your হজ্জ operator. Upon arriving in মিনা, you settle into your assigned tent and perform the five daily সালাতs — Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and the following Fajr — each shortened to two rak'ahs (for four-rak'ah সালাতs) but prayed at their normal times, not combined. This day is relatively calm and serves as a preparation day. Rest, recite কুরআন, make dua, and conserve energy for the monumental day ahead.
## Day 2: 9th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Arafah
The most important day of the entire হজ্জ. After Fajr সালাত in মিনা, হাজীগণ travel to the plain of Arafah, approximately 14 kilometers from মিনা. You must be within the boundaries of Arafah between Dhuhr and Maghrib — this is the single most critical requirement of হজ্জ. Dhuhr and Asr are prayed combined and shortened at Arafah. The afternoon from after Dhuhr until sunset is devoted entirely to dua, dhikr, and দোয়া. After sunset, হাজীগণ depart for মুযদালিফা, where Maghrib and Isha are prayed combined and shortened. Spend the night at মুযদালিফা, collecting pebbles for the stoning.
## Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)
The busiest day of হজ্জ. After Fajr at মুযদালিফা, depart for মিনা. Four rituals are performed (the sequence is মুস্তাহাব but flexible): stone the জামারাত al-Aqabah (large pillar) with seven pebbles; arrange or confirm your Hadi (animal sacrifice); shave your head (men) or trim your hair (women) — this achieves partial exit from ইহরাম; then travel to মক্কা মুকাররমা for তাওয়াফ al-Ifadhah and সাঈ, after which all ইহরাম restrictions are fully lifted. Return to মিনা to spend the night.
## Days 4-5: 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah — Ayyam al-Tashriq
These are the Days of Tashriq, spent in মিনা. Each day after Dhuhr (or after Zawal according to some scholars), stone all three জামারাত pillars in sequence — the small, then the medium, then the large — with seven pebbles each. After stoning on the 12th, you may depart মিনা before sunset (this is called al-Nafr al-Awal, the first departure). If you remain in মিনা past sunset on the 12th, you must stay for the 13th and stone again. Most operators arrange departure on the 12th.
## After the হজ্জ Days
Once you return to মক্কা মুকাররমা from মিনা, perform তাওয়াফ al-Wada (the Farewell তাওয়াফ) before departing the city. This is the final ritual of হজ্জ. If you plan to visit মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা (highly মুস্তাহাব but not part of হজ্জ), travel there after completing your মক্কা মুকাররমা stay. Most হাজী itineraries include 3-7 days in মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা either before or after the হজ্জ days. The entire trip typically spans 2-4 weeks depending on your package and personal preferences.
## Planning Your Travel Timeline
Work backward from the projected হজ্জ dates to plan your travel. Arrive in মক্কা মুকাররমা at least 3-5 days before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah to acclimatize to the heat, familiarize yourself with the city and Haram layout, perform উমরাহ (for হজ্জ al-Tamattu'), and attend your operator's orientation sessions. After হজ্জ, allow 2-3 days in মক্কা মুকাররমা for rest and farewell তাওয়াফ, plus your মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা visit if planned. Most হাজীগণ need a total of 18-25 days for the complete হজ্জ trip. Book your flights accordingly, leaving buffer days on both ends for unexpected delays.