Mark Your Calendars: Hajj 2026 and Eid al-Adha Dates Announced

Nearly two million Muslims around the globe are getting ready for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is set to begin on May 25, 2026. The date was confirmed after the crescent moon was spotted in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

Hajj is the largest yearly gathering of Muslims worldwide and, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. It stands as the fifth pillar of Islam, a mandatory duty for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the trip.

So, what exactly happens during these five days? Pilgrims begin by entering a state of purity called ihram, wearing simple white garments that strip away all signs of wealth and status. They then circle the Kaaba seven times in a ritual known as tawaf, walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa to honor Hagar’s search for water, and spend a night praying in the massive tent city of Mina.

The most important day is the second, when pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat from midday to sunset for prayer and reflection. This is followed by a night under the stars in Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the next day’s stoning ritual.

On the third day, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Pilgrims stone pillars symbolizing the devil, offer an animal sacrifice to remember Abraham’s devotion, and shave or trim their hair as a sign of renewal. They then return to Mecca for another tawaf before spending the final days repeating the stoning ritual in Mina.

The journey ends with a farewell tawaf, a last circuit around the Kaaba. Back home, families mark Eid al-Adha with special prayers, festive meals, gift exchanges, and the sharing of meat from the sacrifice—one third for the family, one third for friends, and one third for the needy.