Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. This final month holds great importance for Muslims around the world. The month of Dhul Hijjah is when the acts of worship are especially rewarded.
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) has said:
“The year has twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah, al-Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.”
(Bukhari)
During these four months, Muslims around the world are encouraged to increase their worship and good deeds. The month of Dhul Hijjah is also when the Hajj Pilgrimage takes place, bringing millions of Muslims together to worship and remember Allah.
The Virtue of the Month of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most important days in Islam. These ten days hold an opportunity to seek the pleasure of Allah through increased acts of worship such as prayer, giving charity, and remembering Allah.
The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) has said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Bukhari)
When Does Dhul Hijjah Start?
So, when does Dhul Hijjah begin? Dhul Hijjah starts with the sighting of the new moon, like every other month in the Islamic calendar. This means the exact date on which the month begins can be estimated but never confirmed due to depending on the sighting of the moon.
As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the month of Dhul Hijjah moves early each year by around ten days. This is why the dates in which the month begins changes every year.
When is Dhul Hijjah 2026?
For those of you who are wondering when is Dhul Hijjah 2026, the answer is that it is expected to fall in the final days of May. The estimated date for the start of Dhul Hijjah is to be on the evening of 26 May, with the full 1st Dhul Hijjah 2026 being on 27 May. Again, these dates may vary slightly based on official moonsighting on the day.
Key Days in the Month of Dhul Hijjah
The month of Dhul Hijjah includes several important days that hold deep, great meaning.
The 8th of Dhul Hijjah marks the beginning of the Hajj rituals that pilgrims must follow. This would begin with the pilgrims entering the state of Ihram and travelling to Mina.
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah. The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant days in Islam. On this day, Allah perfected the religion, as mentioned in the Quran: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Quran 5:3]
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is also highly recommended for those who are not performing Hajj. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) has said that fasting on the Day of Arafah wipes away the sins of the previous and coming year. (Muslim)
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah marks the day of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. It is a great day of celebration and begins the days of Qurbani following the morning Eid prayer.
The 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah are known as the days of Tashreeq. These three days are for the remembrance of Allah, showing gratitude, and celebrating.
What Day is Eid in Dhul Hijjah 2026?
Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. The day of Eid in 2026 is expected to fall around 6th June in the UK, again, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Qurbani in Dhul Hijjah
Qurbani is an act of worship that takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, where Muslims remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The act of Qurbani is a great way for Muslims to share their blessings with others.
“The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.”
[Sahih Abi Dawud]
Qurbani begins after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and continues to be carried out till the evening of 13th Dhul Hijjah. By giving Qurbani through Orphans in Need, you can help provide fresh meat to orphans and widows facing poverty, allowing them to also take part in celebrating the day of Eid. This act of charity allows you to fulfil your duty of Qurbani whilst also making a real difference to the lives of many.
Donate your Qurbani today with Orphans in Need and help feed widows and orphaned children this Eid.
The dates of Dhul Hijah are determined by the Islamic calendar being based on the lunar cycle. This means that the month of Dhul Hijjah moves earlier every year by around ten days.
Yes, Dhul Hijah can start on different days around the world, as it depends on when the moon is seen in different locations. For this reason, some countries may start the month of Dhul Hijah a day earlier or a day later than other regions.
