Nearly two million Muslims from around the world are preparing for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, beginning on May 25, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It represents a spiritual journey of worship, repentance and submission to God.
The pilgrimage follows rituals established by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Hajar (Hagar), and Prophet Muhammad.
The five pillars of Islam are:
Shahada (declaration of faith)
Salah (daily prayers)
Zakat (charity)
Sawm (fasting during Ramadan)
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
When is Hajj 2026?
Hajj takes place every year during Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
For 2026:
Hajj begins: May 25
Eid al-Adha begins during the pilgrimage
Main rituals continue for five days
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the dates shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Key Rituals of Hajj
1. Ihram
Pilgrims enter a sacred spiritual state called ihram before reaching Mecca.
Men wear two plain white garments, while women dress modestly. The clothing symbolises equality and humility before God.
2. Tawaf
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
This act symbolises unity in worship and devotion to one God.
3. Sa’i
Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
The ritual commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail before the Zamzam well miraculously appeared.
4. Mina
Pilgrims travel to Mina, known as the “city of tents,” where they spend the night in prayer and reflection.
5. Arafat
The Day of Arafat is considered the most important part of Hajj.
Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for prayers, repentance and reflection from midday until sunset.
6. Muzdalifah
After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they rest under the open sky and collect pebbles for the next ritual.
7. Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims throw pebbles at stone pillars in Mina, symbolising the rejection of Satan’s temptations.
8. Eid al-Adha Sacrifice
Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Animals such as sheep, goats, cows or camels are sacrificed, and the meat is shared with family, friends and the needy.
9. Shaving or Cutting Hair
Men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion, symbolising spiritual renewal.
10. Final Tawaf
Pilgrims return to Mecca for a farewell tawaf around the Kaaba before concluding the pilgrimage.
Eid al-Adha Celebration
Eid al-Adha marks the end of the main Hajj rituals.
Muslims celebrate with:
Special Eid prayers
Family gatherings
Sharing meals
Giving gifts
Charity and Qurbani (sacrifice)
People commonly greet one another with: “Eid Mubarak” — meaning “Blessed Eid.”
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