The Hajj festival is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia — one of the five pillars of Islam and the largest religious gathering on earth. In 2026, Hajj begins on 25 May (8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), with the Day of Arafah on 26 May and Eid al-Adha on 27 May — dates now officially confirmed by Saudi authorities following the moon sighting on 17 May 2026.
What Is the Hajj Festival?
Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage that every financially and physically able Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime. It takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe to the holy city of Makkah.
The pilgrimage commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, including his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God. This act of devotion is the reason Hajj and Eid al-Adha — the “Festival of Sacrifice” — are inseparably linked.
Hajj 2026 Key Dates
- 8 Dhul Hijjah (25 May) — Yawm al-Tarwiyah; pilgrims enter ihram and travel to Mina
- 9 Dhul Hijjah (26 May) — Day of Arafah; standing at the plain of Arafat, the heart of Hajj
- 10 Dhul Hijjah (27 May) — Eid al-Adha; stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah, Qurbani, Tawaf al-Ifadah
- 11–13 Dhul Hijjah (28–30 May) — Days of Tashreeq; stoning at all three Jamarat pillars
All dates are confirmed following the official crescent moon sighting by Saudi authorities on 17 May 2026.
The Rituals of Hajj, Step by Step
The Hajj journey spans five to six days of prescribed rituals across Makkah and the surrounding holy sites. Here is how the pilgrimage unfolds.
Ihram and Arrival
Before crossing the designated boundary points (miqat), every pilgrim enters a state of spiritual purity called ihram. Men wear two unstitched white garments; women dress modestly with face and hands uncovered. Once in ihram, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Qudum — circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise — followed by Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
On 8 Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina’s tent city, where they spend the night in prayer.
The next morning, everyone moves to the plain of Arafat for Wuquf — standing in supplication from midday to sunset. This is the single most important ritual; the Prophet Muhammad said, “Hajj is Arafat.” Missing this day means the Hajj is invalid.
After sunset, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, an open plain between Arafat and Mina, where they pray Maghrib and Isha together and collect pebbles for the next day’s stoning ritual.
Eid al-Adha and the Final Rites
On 10 Dhul Hijjah — Eid al-Adha — pilgrims return to Mina to stone Jamarat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, perform the Qurbani (animal sacrifice), and shave or trim their hair. They then return to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i.
The Days of Tashreeq (11–13 Dhul Hijjah) involve stoning all three Jamarat pillars each day. Pilgrims may leave on the 12th if they complete the stoning before sunset. The farewell Tawaf al-Wida completes the pilgrimage.
How to Prepare for Hajj
Preparing for Hajj requires months of planning — from securing your visa and booking a package to physical and spiritual readiness.
Hajj Visa and Registration
International pilgrims from over 126 countries must register through the official Nusuk Hajj platform and purchase an authorized package. Your passport must be valid until at least 6 months from your date of return, and you will need proof of meningitis (ACYW135) vaccination.
For country-specific visa processes, our Hajj visa guide walks you through tracking your application status.
Hajj Packages and Accommodation
Nusuk offers packages in three tiers: Mashair (minimum 6 days), Non-Shifting (10 days), and Shifting (14 days). All-inclusive packages cover visa issuance, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation, and on-ground guidance at the holy sites.
For premium options, see our premium and luxury Hajj guide.
What to Pack
Makkah in late May sees temperatures that can exceed 43°C. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes are essentials. Our Hajj packing list and heat safety guide cover everything you need.
Getting to Makkah: Flights and Transport
Most international pilgrims fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which operates a dedicated Hajj terminal during the season. Some routes also fly into Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) in Madinah.
Airline and Country-Specific Schedules
We have flight guides for pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, the USA, the UK, and many more.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Madinah, Jeddah, and Makkah, offering over 2.2 million seats across 5,300+ trips during the Hajj season — a fast, air-conditioned alternative to road transfers.
Safety, Crowds, and What to Expect in 2026
Saudi Arabia has deployed its most advanced crowd management infrastructure to date for Hajj 2026.
Crowd Management
The mandatory Nusuk Card combines each pilgrim’s personal, medical, and accommodation data into a single smart credential. AI-powered monitoring tracks crowd density at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah in real time, while digital boards at mosque entrances display color-coded capacity signals.
Every registered pilgrim is assigned specific time windows for Tawaf and stoning at the Jamarat to prevent bottlenecks.
Heat and Health
Late May temperatures in Makkah can exceed 43°C. Hydrate constantly, avoid midday sun where possible, and use the air-conditioned tents at Mina and Arafat. Elderly pilgrims and those with mobility challenges have access to separate pathways, electric carts, and dedicated prayer areas — details in our Hajj for elderly pilgrims guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates for Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 runs from 25 May to 30 May (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The Day of Arafah falls on 26 May and Eid al-Adha on 27 May — confirmed following the official moon sighting on 17 May 2026.
How do I register for Hajj?
International pilgrims register through the official Nusuk Hajj platform. You’ll create a profile, upload your passport and vaccination records, and select an authorized Hajj package.
Can I perform Hajj on a tourist or visit visa?
No. Access to Makkah and the holy sites during Hajj season is restricted to holders of an official Hajj visa or permit. Read our visit visa Hajj guide for details.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is the obligatory annual pilgrimage performed during specific days of Dhul Hijjah, involving rituals at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Umrah is a shorter, voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed year-round and involves only Tawaf and Sa’i in Makkah.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Nusuk Hajj Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Gulf News — Saudi Arabia Mobilizes Full Capacity for 2026 Hajj
- Gulf News — Hajj 2026: What Every Pilgrim Should Know
- Al Jazeera — Hajj Explained: A Visual Step-by-Step Guide
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Hajj Advisory
- Shafaqna — General Hajj 2026 Safety Policies
- U.S. Embassy — Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Travelers
- Gulf News — Dhul Hijjah 1447 Begins 18 May, Eid al-Adha Date Confirmed
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
