## Projected Dates for Haji 2026
Haji 2026 corresponds to the Haji of 1448 AH in the Islamic calendar. Based on astronomical calculations, the month of Dzulhijjah 1448 is projected to begin around May 18-19, 2026, placing the core Haji days in late May. The Day of Arafah (9th Dzulhijjah) is projected for approximately May 26, 2026, and Eid al-Adha (10th Dzulhijjah) 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 Dzulhijjah begins.
## The Complete Haji Schedule
Haji 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 Dzulhijjah is typically when jamaah haji performing Haji al-Tamattu' re-enter Ihram from their hotels in Mekkah, prepare their day bags for the Haji 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 Dzulhijjah — Yawm al-Tarwiyah
On the morning of the 8th, jamaah haji in Ihram depart Mekkah for Mina, approximately 8 kilometers away. Travel is by bus organized by your Haji operator. Upon arriving in Mina, you settle into your assigned tent and perform the five daily shalat — Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and the following Fajr — each shortened to two rak'ahs (for four-rak'ah shalat) but prayed at their normal times, not combined. This day is relatively calm and serves as a preparation day. Rest, recite Al-Quran, make doa, and conserve energy for the monumental day ahead.
## Day 2: 9th Dzulhijjah — Yawm al-Arafah
The most important day of the entire Haji. After Fajr shalat in Mina, jamaah haji 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 Haji. Dhuhr and Asr are prayed combined and shortened at Arafah. The afternoon from after Dhuhr until sunset is devoted entirely to doa, dhikr, and doa. After sunset, jamaah haji 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 Dzulhijjah — Yawm al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)
The busiest day of Haji. After Fajr at Muzdalifah, depart for Mina. Four rituals are performed (the sequence is sunnah 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 Mekkah 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 Dzulhijjah — 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 Haji Days
Once you return to Mekkah from Mina, perform Tawaf al-Wada (the Farewell Tawaf) before departing the city. This is the final ritual of Haji. If you plan to visit Madinah (highly sunnah but not part of Haji), travel there after completing your Mekkah stay. Most jamaah haji itineraries include 3-7 days in Madinah either before or after the Haji 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 Haji dates to plan your travel. Arrive in Mekkah at least 3-5 days before the 8th of Dzulhijjah to acclimatize to the panas, familiarize yourself with the city and Haram layout, perform Umrah (for Haji al-Tamattu'), and attend your operator's orientation sessions. After Haji, allow 2-3 days in Mekkah for rest and farewell Tawaf, plus your Madinah visit if planned. Most jamaah haji need a total of 18-25 days for the complete Haji trip. Book your flights accordingly, leaving buffer days on both ends for unexpected delays.