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Roughly 2 billion Muslims worldwide are preparing to observe the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, which brings two important events: Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday in Islam, and Hajj, the religious obligation of pilgrimage for Muslims.
This spiritual month begins with a special 10-day period for Muslims to draw closer to their faith. When does Dhul Hijjah end? Did Saudi Arabia confirm Eid Al-Adha? Here’s what to know.
Did Saudi Arabia confirm Dhul Hijjah 2026?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar, and Dhul Hijjah begins today on May 18, 2026, after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, it will begin with the first sighting of the waxing crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief. The month will last from 29 to 30 days, meaning it could end on June 16 or 17.
Additionally, Eid Al-Adha is confirmed to be celebrated on May 27. It is the second major holiday for Muslims, which falls on the ninth night of Dhul Hijjah and lasts for one day.
What is the importance of Dhul Hijjah for Muslims?
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a time for Muslims to focus on strengthening their faith, according to Islamic Relief. After the holy month of Ramadan, these 10 days are considered a second chance during the Islamic calendar to repent and attain blessings.
During Dhul Hijjah, Muslims will participate in Hajj at Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Hajj, an obligatory spiritual journey, begins on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah, lasts for five to six days, and is expected to happen between May 25 and 30.
What happens if a Muslim can’t attend Hajj?
Hajj is an obligation to be performed at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime, but only if they’re physically and financially able.
Muslims unable to attend Hajj are encouraged to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, as fasting can bring forgiveness of sins and great rewards.
In Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah forgives the sins of the previous year and the coming year, according to Islamic Relief.
Unlike Ramadan, fasting during these nine days is not mandatory. However, it is highly encouraged to fast, as it is Sunnah (the way of the Prophet), especially on the ninth day, called Yawm al-Arafah.
Muslims are forbidden from fasting on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, as Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day.
How do Muslims fast during Dhul Hijjah?
Muslims who are fasting wake up before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor. Once the sun starts to rise, fasting begins, and Muslims follow a set of fasting rules. During fasting hours, Muslims will focus on God-consciousness, repentance, self-reflection and self-improvement.
The fast ends at sunset with a meal called iftar. Friends and families often gather for iftar to cook, eat delicious food and worship together.
What is Yawm al-Arafah? When is it?
Yawm al-Arafah, also known as Yawm al-Waqf, literally translates to “Day of Standing.” This translation refers to Muslims participating in Hajj, in which they stand for extended periods and ask for God’s divine mercy.
The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, Yawm al-Arafah, is expected to be on May 26, 2026. The Quran says that Yawm al-Arafah signifies the day God perfected Islam and approved it as a way of life. Muslims are highly encouraged to fast and focus on worship on this day.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
After the Day of Standing comes Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday of the year for Muslims.
Eid al-Adha translates to “Festival of Sacrifice,” and this day commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. But God stopped him and sent him a ram to sacrifice instead.
Eid al-Adha will begin on the night of May 26 and will be celebrated worldwide on May 27. On this day, Muslims will attend a community prayer in the morning, often in a mosque or Islamic center, donate to those in need, and spend the day with friends and family, eating and enjoying each other’s company.
Specifically for Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to participate in Qurbani, which is the slaughtering of a permitted animal, reflecting the sacrifice Prophet Abraham was willing to make. Goats, cows, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. It is mandatory for a portion of the meat to be donated to the needy.
