## Projected Dates for Hac 2026
Hac 2026 corresponds to the Hac 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 Hac 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 Hac Schedule
Hac 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 hacilar performing Hac al-Tamattu' re-enter Ihram from their hotels in Mekke, prepare their day bags for the Hac 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, hacilar in Ihram depart Mekke for Mina, approximately 8 kilometers away. Travel is by bus organized by your Hac operator. Upon arriving in Mina, you settle into your assigned tent and perform the five daily namazs — Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and the following Fajr — each shortened to two rak'ahs (for four-rak'ah namazs) but prayed at their normal times, not combined. This day is relatively calm and serves as a preparation day. Rest, recite Kur'an, 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 Hac. After Fajr namaz in Mina, hacilar 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 Hac. Dhuhr and Asr are prayed combined and shortened at Arafah. The afternoon from after Dhuhr until sunset is devoted entirely to dua, dhikr, and dua. After sunset, hacilar depart for Muzdelife, where Maghrib and Isha are prayed combined and shortened. Spend the night at Muzdelife, collecting pebbles for the stoning.
## Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)
The busiest day of Hac. After Fajr at Muzdelife, depart for Mina. Four rituals are performed (the sequence is sunnet but flexible): stone the Cemerat 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 Mekke for Tavaf al-Ifadhah and Say, 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 Cemerat 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 Hac Days
Once you return to Mekke from Mina, perform Tavaf al-Wada (the Farewell Tavaf) before departing the city. This is the final ritual of Hac. If you plan to visit Medine (highly sunnet but not part of Hac), travel there after completing your Mekke stay. Most haci itineraries include 3-7 days in Medine either before or after the Hac 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 Hac dates to plan your travel. Arrive in Mekke 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 Umre (for Hac al-Tamattu'), and attend your operator's orientation sessions. After Hac, allow 2-3 days in Mekke for rest and farewell Tavaf, plus your Medine visit if planned. Most hacilar need a total of 18-25 days for the complete Hac trip. Book your flights accordingly, leaving buffer days on both ends for unexpected delays.