Dhul Hijjah 8–13, 1447 AH

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

The sacred pilgrimage to Mecca — an obligation for every Muslim who is able, once in a lifetime.

🕋 What is Hajj?

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia — the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It is obligatory (fard) once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who possesses istita‘a: the physical health to make the journey and sufficient financial means to cover travel costs without leaving dependants in hardship.

Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, from the 8th through the 13th. Over two million Muslims perform Hajj each year, converging on Mecca in one of the largest human gatherings on earth. In 1447 AH, the pilgrimage is expected 25–30 May 2026.

📋 The Five Pillars (Fara’idh) of Hajj

Ihram

Entering the sacred state — wearing two white unsewn cloths (men) and making the intention for Hajj at the Miqat boundary.

Wuqûf at Arafah

The standing — pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafah on 9 Dhul Hijjah from Dhuhr until sunset. The heart of Hajj.

Tawâf al-Ifadâh

Circling the Kaaba seven times after returning from Arafah — the most essential Tawaf of Hajj.

Sa‘i

Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma‘il.

Halq or Taqsir

Shaving the head (halq) or cutting the hair (taqsir) — completing the state of Ihram and marking the end of the major rites.

Omitting any of these five obligatory acts (fara’idh) invalidates the Hajj.

🗓️ Day-by-Day Overview (8–13 Dhul Hijjah)

Day	Hijri	Key Rites
Day 1	8 Dhul Hijjah	Yawm al-Tarwiyah — Day of Departure Enter Ihram. Travel from Makkah to Mina. Spend the day and night there.
Day 2	9 Dhul Hijjah	Day of Arafah ⭐ Key Day Stand at Mount Arafah from Dhuhr until sunset (Wuqûf). Move to Muzdalifah. Collect pebbles. Spend night under the sky.
Day 3	10 Dhul Hijjah	Eid al-Adha — Day of Sacrifice Stone the large Jamarat. Slaughter Qurbani. Shave or cut hair. Perform Tawâf al-Ifadâh. Return to Mina.
Day 4	11 Dhul Hijjah	Tashreeq Day 1 Stone all three Jamarats in Mina. Remain in Mina overnight.
Day 5	12 Dhul Hijjah	Tashreeq Day 2 Stone all three Jamarats. May leave Mina before sunset (Nafar Awal).
Day 6	13 Dhul Hijjah	Tashreeq Day 3 Stone all three Jamarats. Perform Tawâf al-Wadâ (Farewell Tawaf) before leaving Makkah.

For exact Gregorian dates, countdown, and Arafah fasting times for your city, see the Hajj 2026 guide.

Upcoming Hajj

Hajj 2026

Expected 25–30 May 2026 • 1447 AH

View full Hajj 2026 guide →

🏡 If You Are Not Performing Hajj

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Fast on Arafah

Fasting on 9 Dhul Hijjah expiates two years of minor sins — one of the most rewarded fasts of the year (Sahih Muslim 1162).

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Increase Dhikr

Recite Takbeer, Tahleel & Tahmeed abundantly during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah — especially on Arafah day.

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Give Qurbani

Slaughter an animal or share in a Qurbani on Eid al-Adha (10–13 Dhul Hijjah). Wâjib for those who are able.

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Make Du‘a on Arafah

The afternoon of Arafah is among the best times for du‘a all year. Supplicate sincerely for yourself and the Ummah.

🌟 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah guide → ⛰️ Arafah fasting times for your city →

🤲 Recommended Duas

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Dua Library — Hajj & Arafah

Supplications for pilgrims and non-pilgrims

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hajj in Islam?

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca — the fifth pillar of Islam. Every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able (istitaʼa) must perform it once in their lifetime.

Who is required to perform Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory (fard) for every adult Muslim who has reached puberty, is sane, and possesses istitaʼa — meaning sufficient health to travel and enough funds to cover the journey without leaving dependants in hardship.

When does Hajj take place each year?

Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, from the 8th to the 13th. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date shifts by approximately 11 days each year.

What are the five pillars (faraidh) of Hajj?

The five obligatory acts are: (1) Ihram — entering the sacred state; (2) Wuquf at Arafah — standing on the plain of Arafah on 9 Dhul Hijjah; (3) Tawaf al-Ifadah — circling the Kaaba after Arafah; (4) Saʼi — walking between Safa and Marwah; (5) Halq or Taqsir — shaving or cutting the hair. Omitting any of these invalidates the Hajj.

Can I still worship during Hajj season if I am not performing Hajj?

Yes. The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most blessed of the year. You can fast on the Day of Arafah (expiation for two years), increase dhikr (Takbeer, Tahleel, Tahmeed), give Qurbani on Eid al-Adha, and make abundant duʼa — especially on the afternoon of Arafah.

🔗 Related Pages

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Hajj 2026 Guide

Dates, countdown & Arafah fasting times

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Day of Arafah 2026

Fasting times by city

10 Days of Dhul Hijjah