## Projected Dates for Hajj 2026
Hajj 2026 corresponds to the Hajj 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 Hajj 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 Hajj Schedule
Hajj 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 pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu' re-enter Ihram from their hotels in Makkah, prepare their day bags for the Hajj 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, pilgrims in Ihram depart Makkah for Mina, approximately 8 kilometers away. Travel is by bus organized by your Hajj operator. Upon arriving in Mina, you settle into your assigned tent and perform the five daily prayers — Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and the following Fajr — each shortened to two rak'ahs (for four-rak'ah prayers) but prayed at their normal times, not combined. This day is relatively calm and serves as a preparation day. Rest, recite Quran, 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 Hajj. After Fajr prayer in Mina, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafah, approximately 14 kilometers from Mina. You must be within the boundaries of Arafah between Dhuhr and Maghrib — this is the single most critical requirement of Hajj. Dhuhr and Asr are prayed combined and shortened at Arafah. The afternoon from after Dhuhr until sunset is devoted entirely to dua, dhikr, and supplication. After sunset, pilgrims depart for Muzdalifah, where Maghrib and Isha are prayed combined and shortened. Spend the night at Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for the stoning.
## Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)
The busiest day of Hajj. After Fajr at Muzdalifah, depart for Mina. Four rituals are performed (the sequence is recommended but flexible): stone the Jamarat 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 Ihram; then travel to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadhah and Sa'i, after which all Ihram restrictions are fully lifted. Return to Mina to spend the night.
## Days 4-5: 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah — Ayyam al-Tashriq
These are the Days of Tashriq, spent in Mina. Each day after Dhuhr (or after Zawal according to some scholars), stone all three Jamarat pillars in sequence — the small, then the medium, then the large — with seven pebbles each. After stoning on the 12th, you may depart Mina before sunset (this is called al-Nafr al-Awal, the first departure). If you remain in Mina past sunset on the 12th, you must stay for the 13th and stone again. Most operators arrange departure on the 12th.
## After the Hajj Days
Once you return to Makkah from Mina, perform Tawaf al-Wada (the Farewell Tawaf) before departing the city. This is the final ritual of Hajj. If you plan to visit Madinah (highly recommended but not part of Hajj), travel there after completing your Makkah stay. Most pilgrim itineraries include 3-7 days in Madinah either before or after the Hajj 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 Hajj dates to plan your travel. Arrive in Makkah 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 Umrah (for Hajj al-Tamattu'), and attend your operator's orientation sessions. After Hajj, allow 2-3 days in Makkah for rest and farewell Tawaf, plus your Madinah visit if planned. Most pilgrims need a total of 18-25 days for the complete Hajj trip. Book your flights accordingly, leaving buffer days on both ends for unexpected delays.