Dhul Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin on Monday 18 May 2026, subject to moon sighting. For Muslims worldwide, this marks the arrival of the most blessed month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the 12th and final month of the Hijri year.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered holier even than the days of Ramadan. These days offer a second chance for spiritual renewal, seeking forgiveness, and performing righteous deeds that earn immense rewards. Whether you are performing the Hajj pilgrimage or worshipping from home, these ten days offer every Muslim an extraordinary opportunity.
When is Dhul Hijjah 2026
1st Dhul Hijjah (Month Begins)
Hijri: 1 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
Date: Monday 18 May 2026*
First 9 Days (Recommended Fasting)
Hijri: 1–9 Dhul Hijjah
Date: 18–26 May 2026
Yawm al-Arafah (Day of Arafah)
Hijri: 9 Dhul Hijjah
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Eid al-Adha / Qurbani Day
Hijri: 10 Dhul Hijjah
Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Note: *Dates are subject to official moon sighting. May vary by one day.
Deed 1: Make Sincere Intentions
As Dhul Hijjah 2026 approaches (beginning 18 May 2026), now is the time to renew your intentions and set clear spiritual goals for these ten blessed days. Intentions are the foundation of every act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Actions are only by intentions." (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Whether your goal for these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is increased acts of worship, giving charity, or observing the Hajj pilgrimage in spirit, begin with sincerity.
Deed 2: Fasting - Including the Day of Arafah (26 May 2026)
Fasting during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that
Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah, Tuesday 26 May 2026) expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim).
Fasting on just this one day is equal to fasting an entire year in reward.
Note: Fasting is prohibited on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha, 27 May 2026) as this is a day of celebration.
Deed 3: Sadaqah & Charity
General good deeds, including increased charity (Sadaqah) and recitation of the Quran, are especially beloved to Allah during Dhul Hijjah 2026. Even a small act of giving carries immense rewards during these days. Consider automating your Dhul Hijjah donations across all ten days, so no blessed day is missed.
Deed 4: Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
During the ten days of Dhul Hijjah 2026, increase your recitation of Allahu Akbar (Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaahi il-hamd). Recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar abundantly throughout these sacred days.
Deed 5: Qurbani
Qurbani (the ritual sacrifice) is performed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, expected on Wednesday 27 May 2026. This commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah (SWT). Qurbani is obligatory for every financially able Muslim. The Qurbani meat is traditionally divided into three equal parts: one-third for your family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy. It is also important to note that those intending to perform Qurbani should refrain from cutting their hair and nails from 1 Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is made.
Deed 6: Dua (Supplication)
The Day of Arafah (Yawm al-Arafah), falling on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (26 May 2026), is the day upon which Allah perfected His religion, as declared in the Holy Quran (5:3). It is the holiest single day of the Islamic year and the best day for making dua. Muslims worldwide are encouraged to fast and make sincere supplication, seeking forgiveness and mercy. This day is central to the Hajj pilgrimage, where millions stand at the plain of Arafat, but its blessings extend to all Muslims performing worship at home.
Deed 7: Acts of Kindness in Sacred Times
Practising generosity during these sacred days carries immense rewards. From giving to a food bank locally to supporting Al Mustafa Trust's emergency appeals for Muslims worldwide in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Pakistan, every act of generosity during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 is amplified in blessing. Even the smallest act of kindness counts as a righteous deed during this blessed time.
Deed 8: Worship Together During the Holy Month
Praying together, making dhikr as a family, and encouraging loved ones to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 multiplies the barakah in your home. The first ten days are also an ideal time to make repentance (tawbah) together and set shared spiritual goals for the coming year.
Deed 9: Study the Quran
Dhul Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a time of spiritual renewal before the new Hijri year begins. Increased acts of worship including reading, reciting, and reflecting on the Holy Quran are among the most rewarding things a Muslim can do during these ten days. The Quran itself alludes to the significance of these days: By the Dawn and by the Ten Nights (Surah al-Fajr 89:1-2), which many scholars of the Quran, including those referencing Sahih al-Bukhari, interpret as the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Deed 10: Prayer (Establishing Salah)
During the ten days of Dhul Hijjah 2026, resolve to perfect your five daily prayers (the Five Pillars of Islam demand nothing less) and add voluntary Nafl prayers. Ensure you offer the Eid al-Adha prayer on 27 May 2026 with your community. For those not performing Hajj, performing all these acts of worship with sincerity brings you closer to the spiritual experience of the Hajj pilgrimage itself.
