The Hajj is one of the most important religious events in the Islamic calendar. Millions of Muslims travel to Makkah each year to complete the annual pilgrimage — a journey of profound spiritual significance.
During the final days of Hajj, pilgrims complete the concluding rituals and bid farewell to the holy city. These last days carry deep meaning, marking the fulfillment of a transformative act of faith.
Keep reading to learn about the last date of Hajj 2026, the rituals performed during the final days, and what pilgrims should know before they go.
What is the last date of Hajj 2026?
Hajj takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, spanning from the 8th to the 13th day. In 2026, Hajj is expected to begin on Monday, 25 May and conclude on Saturday, 30 May.
Here is the projected day-by-day breakdown:
| Islamic Date | Gregorian Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Dhul Hijjah | Mon, 25 May | Yawm al-Tarwiyah — pilgrims enter ihram and travel to Mina |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah | Tue, 26 May | Day of Arafah — standing at Arafat, night in Muzdalifah |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah | Wed, 27 May | Eid al-Adha — stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah, sacrifice, Tawaf al-Ifadah |
| 11 Dhul Hijjah | Thu, 28 May | 1st day of Tashreeq — stoning all three Jamarat |
| 12 Dhul Hijjah | Fri, 29 May | 2nd day of Tashreeq — stoning, optional early departure from Mina |
| 13 Dhul Hijjah | Sat, 30 May | 3rd day of Tashreeq — final stoning, farewell tawaf |
These dates are approximate and based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact dates will be confirmed by Saudi authorities following the official moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
What happens on the last days of Hajj?
The concluding phase of Hajj is known as the days of Tashreeq — the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, which fall after Eid al-Adha. During this period, pilgrims remain in Mina to complete the final rituals.
These are also days of celebration. Pilgrims are encouraged to eat from their sacrificial offerings, and fasting is prohibited during Tashreeq.
Spending nights in Mina
After Eid al-Adha, pilgrims must spend two or three nights in Mina. Those who choose to stay only two nights must leave before sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Staying during the daytime on these days is not obligatory, but it is recommended according to the Sunnah.
Stoning the three Jamarat
On each day from the 11th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat pillars. The order is fixed: start with the smallest (Al-Jamarat As-Sughra), then the middle (Al-Jamarat Al-Wusta), then the largest (Al-Jamarat Al-Kubra).
On these days, the stoning window opens after the Dhuhr (midday) prayer and extends until Fajr the following morning. It is Sunnah to pause and make dua facing the qiblah after stoning the small and middle pillars.
Farewell tawaf
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform the farewell tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida) — seven circuits around the Kaaba. This must be the last act of worship before departing the city.
The farewell tawaf is obligatory (wajib) for all non-residents of Makkah. Menstruating women are exempt and do not need to pay a penalty. If a pilgrim has not yet performed Tawaf al-Ifadah, they may combine it with the farewell tawaf by making the intention for Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Hajj 2026: What pilgrims should know
Saudi authorities have tightened regulations for the 2026 Hajj season. Here are the key rules in effect:
- A valid Hajj permit — obtained through the Nusuk platform or your country’s official Hajj authority — is mandatory. Performing Hajj without a permit carries a fine of up to SR 20,000, and residents or overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj illegally face deportation and a 10-year entry ban.
- Anyone found facilitating unauthorized Hajj — such as arranging visas, providing transport, or offering accommodation to unauthorized pilgrims — faces fines of up to SR 100,000.
- Entry to Makkah without a valid permit (such as a Hajj visa, Makkah residency permit, or work permit for the Holy Sites) is prohibited from April 13 through May 31, 2026. Umrah permits via Nusuk have been suspended from April 18 to May 31.
- Women of all ages may perform Hajj without a male guardian (mahram), provided they travel as part of an official group or an approved group of women.
For the latest official guidance, visit the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website. You can also search for flights to Jeddah and hotels in Makkah on Wego to start planning your trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last day of Hajj 2026?
The last day of Hajj 2026 is expected to fall on Saturday, 30 May 2026 (13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). This is the final day of the Tashreeq period. Exact dates depend on the official Saudi moon sighting.
Can you leave Mina on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah?
Yes. Pilgrims who complete the stoning on the 12th and leave Mina before sunset have fulfilled the minimum requirement. Those who remain must complete the stoning on the 13th as well.
Is the farewell tawaf mandatory?
Yes, the farewell tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida) is obligatory for all pilgrims who are not residents of Makkah. Menstruating women are exempt and no penalty applies to them.
Do women need a male guardian (mahram) for Hajj 2026?
No. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah allows women of all ages to perform Hajj without a mahram, as long as they travel with an official Hajj group or an approved group of women.
What happens if you perform Hajj without a permit in 2026?
Saudi authorities have imposed strict penalties. Pilgrims caught without a valid permit face fines of up to SR 20,000, and residents or overstayers face deportation and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. Those who facilitate unauthorized Hajj risk fines of up to SR 100,000.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Official Website
- Nusuk — Official Hajj and Umrah Platform
- Khaleej Times — Saudi Arabia Hajj 2026 Season Rules
- Arab News — Saudi Arabia Reiterates Hajj Permit Rule
- Saudi Gazette — Hajj Operational Plan Readiness
- Children of Adam — Hajj 2026 Key Dates
- IslamOnline Fiqh — Times for Stoning the Jamarat
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.
