Noor Thalassemia Foundation

Hajj, a fifth pillar of Islam, holds significant value. It is performed every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah - the last month of the lunar calendar. Every Muslim who is physically and mentally fit and is financially stable must perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime. Every pilgrim, especially the first timers, must know about the Hajj rituals to have a safe and blessed Hajj experience. This article is a detailed account of Hajj 2026. Learn about the expected Hajj 2026 dates, eligibility criteria, day-by-day rituals, and other updates. So, let’s begin understanding the Hajj rituals here:

When is Hajj 2026?

Usually, Hajj is performed in Dhul Hijjah. The rituals start from the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and last until the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. In 2026, it is expected that the Hajj will be performed starting on 25th May 2026. The exact Hajj date will be finalized based on moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

A Practical Guide to Perform Hajj in 2026?

Similar to other important practices in Islam, Hajj comes with its own rituals to be followed carefully during this journey. Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to perform Hajj:

1- Ihram: The Hajj journey starts when you make a proper intention (Niyyah) and enter into the state of Ihram. Once pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, they start performing rituals with the recitation of Talbiyah:

“Labbaika Allahumma labbaik. Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik. Inna al-hamda wa an-na'mata laka wa al-mulk. La Sharika lak.”

(Here I am, my Lord. Here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am, Praise, grace, and the kingdom is for You. You have no partner.)

2- Tawaf: After entering Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf (Tawaf Al-Qudum) by walking around the Kaaba seven times. After performing Tawaf, pilgrims offer 2 Rak’ahs of Tawaf behind the Maqam Ibrahim.

3- Sa’i between Safa and Marwa: The next ritual is to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. This ritual requires walking between Safa and Marwa seven times.

4- Mina: On the morning of the 8th of Dhul Hijja, Pilgrims go to Mina and spend the whole night there. Pilgrims offer prayers, Dhikr, and Dua until the morning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.

5- Arafah (The Day of Greater Hajj): The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is considered the main or greater Hajj day. On this day, Pilgrims go to Arafat and devote themselves to Allah. They spend the whole day on Arafat until sunset.

6- Muzalifah: After sunset of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, Pilgrims go to Muzdalifah and spend the whole night there. They also collect pebbles from Muzdalifah to perform the upcoming Jamarat ritual.

7- Stoning at Jamarat: On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims come back to Mina and throw seven pebbles at Jamarat while reciting Takbeer.

8- Qurbani: On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Pilgrims perform Qurbani (usually a sheep or goat). It is obligatory to share Qurbani meat with those in need.

9- Shave or Trim Hair: After performing Qurbani, Pilgrims shave or trim their hair and remove the Ihram and wear regular clothes.

10- Tawaf Al-Ifadah: At this time, Pilgrims return to Makkah and offer Tawaf Al-Ifadah (walk through the Kaaba seven times) and then offer prayer or 2 Raak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim.

11- Stoning the Jamarat Again: On the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, Pilgrims return to Mina and throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars (Jamrat Al-Aqabah - the largest pillar, Jamrat Al-Wusta, and Jamrat Al-Sughra).

12- Tawaf Al-Wada: Before leaving Makkah, Pilgrims offer Tawaf Al-Wada by walking around the Kaaba seven times.

Who is Eligible to Perform Hajj?

To become eligible for Hajj, Zairren must fulfill the given conditions:

1- Must be an Adult Muslim: To perform Hajj, applicants must be an adult Muslim, as underage Muslims are not liable to perform Hajj.

2- Must be a Sane and Healthy Person: To perform Hajj, ensure that the applicant is mentally and physically healthy.

3- Must be a Free Muslim: It is also recommended that Muslims must be free from slavery, as slaves are not liable to perform Hajj.

4- Must be Financially Stable: You must also be financially stable to perform Hajj. Ensure you can bear all the Hajj expenses on your own.

5- Hajj for Women: For women who want to perform Hajj, it is advised to perform it with their Mahram. Mahram can be a husband, father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, etc.

Give Your Donations to NTF During Hajj Days?

All the pilgrims who are going to perform Hajj in 2026, may Allah accept their deeds. However, those who cannot perform it this year are recommended to do other good deeds during this Hajj month. One of the best deeds to seek Allah’s forgiveness is to give donations. Offer your donations to Noor Thalassemia Foundation and help us treat patients suffering from Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and other blood disorders. At Noor Thalassemia Foundation (NTF), we use your donations to manage regular blood supply, medications, and other medical equipment for blood patients who cannot afford their treatment expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Hajj in 2026?

The final Hajj 2026 dates or schedule will be based on the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. However, it is expected that the hajj 2026 will be performed on 25th May, 2026.

Who is eligible to perform Hajj 2026?

Every physically and financially capable Muslim is required to perform Hajj once in a lifetime.

Is Qurbani mandatory for pilgrims?

Yes, Qurbani is a required ritual for every pilgrim performing Hajj. Qurbani is actually a Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), and Muslims throughout the world offer Qurbani on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).

Can children perform Hajj?

According to Saudi rules, the minimum age for Hajj is 15 years due to safety concerns. However, there is no maximum age limit to perform Hajj.

Can I perform Hajj more than once?

Hajj is required only once in a lifetime. However, if someone wants to perform it more than once, he is allowed under certain conditions. For example, to regulate the process and ensure fairness, the Saudi government allows individuals to repeat the hajj after a minimum of 5 years.