When Does the Hajj Begin and What Happens on Day One
Table of Contents
Many people ask, when does the hajj begin, and why are its days considered so sacred in Islam? Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and among its greatest foundations. It is one of the best acts of worship and among the most honorable deeds that bring a person closer to Allah Almighty.
Hajj is an obligation upon every Muslim who is mature, sane, free, and financially and physically able to travel and perform the rituals of Hajj. So, every year, millions of Muslims from around the world prepare for one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam: Hajj.
In this guide, we will explain when does the hajj begin, what happens on the first day, the important days during Hajj, and how pilgrims prepare for this life-changing experience.
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When Does the Hajj Begin in the Islamic Calendar
When does the hajj begin ? In the islamic calendar the official rituals of Hajj begin on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and continue until the 13th of the month. In 2026, Hajj is expected to take place between 25th May 2026 to the 30th May.
Hajj begins with entering into the state of Ihram from the Miqat, followed by Tawaf al-Qudum on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. However, it may begin earlier during the months of Hajj for those performing Hajj Tamattu‘ or Hajj Qiran. As Allah عز وجل says:
ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌۭ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٌۭ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ١٩٧- البقرة
“˹Commitment to˺ pilgrimage is made in appointed months.1 Whoever commits to ˹performing˺ pilgrimage, let them stay away from intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah ˹fully˺ knows of it. Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!”
The months of Hajj are Shawwal, Dhul Qa‘dah, and Dhul Hijjah.
Important Days During Hajj
When discussing when does the hajj begin, it is also necessary to understand the major days of Hajj and their significance.
1. The 8th of Dhul Hijjah – Day of Tarwiyah
This is the day one official of Hajj. It is the answer of when does the hajj begin. After entering Ihram and performing Tawaf al-Qudum (the arrival tawaf), In the forenoon of 8th Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrim heads to Mina, where they perform the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha prayers each at its proper time and spend the night then perform Fajr prayer while shortening only the four-unit prayers.
2. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah – Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is the most important day of Hajj. When the sun rises on the Day of Arafah, the pilgrim travels from Mina to Arafah. When the time for Dhuhr begins, the pilgrim performs the Dhuhr and Asr prayers together and shortened, preferably in the mosque of NAMIRAH with the Imam if possible. After that, the pilgrim enters the boundaries of Arafah and makes sure that they are within its designated limits.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught that Hajj is centered around Arafah. Missing entering Arafah boundaries before Maghrib means the Hajj is not valid.
3. The Night of Muzdalifah – From the sunset of the Day of Arafah until the Fajr of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
After sunset on the Day of Arafah, the pilgrim proceeds to Muzdalifah and spends the night there until dawn of 10th Dhul Hijjah and performs Fajr prayer.
4. The 10th of Dhul Hijjah – Eid al-Adha
In the day of Eid Al-Adha The pilgrim leaves Muzdalifah after Fajr prayer for Mina. This day includes several important rituals:
- Stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah
- Offering the sacrificial animal for those who performing Tamattu’ or Qiran Hajj
- Shaving or trimming the hair
- entering Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah then returning to Mina.
5. Days of Tashreeq – 11th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah
Pilgrims remain in Mina and on each of these three days -after Dhuhr-, the pilgrim stones the three Jamarat. He begins with the small Jamarah (the first one), throwing seven pebbles at it, then stones the middle Jamarah (the second one) with seven pebbles, and finally stones Jamrat al-Aqabah (the large or third Jamarah).
When intending to leave Makkah, the pilgrim must perform Tawaf al-Wada’ (the Farewell Tawaf).
Understanding these sacred days helps answer the question of when does the hajj begin and shows how each stage of Hajj builds spiritual discipline and devotion.
Key Events During Hajj
The events of Hajj let us understand when does the hajj begin and when Hajj end
- Preparation and Intention
- Enter state of Ihram
- Tawaf al-Qudum
- Sai’ (It may be postponed until later)
- Arrive at Mina
- Day of ‘Arafah
- Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
- From Muzdalifah to Mina
- Rami only the major Jammrah (stoning of the devil)
- Hady (For those performing Hajj Tamattu‘ or Hajj Qiran)
- Shaving and trimming
- Tawaf al-Ifadha and Saai’ For those performing Tamattuʿ Hajj, (and for those performing Ifrad or Qiran Hajj who postponed the Sa‘i from the beginning)
- Spend night at Mina (followed by the three Days of Tashreeq)
- Rami the three jamrat (stoning of the devil)
- Rami the three jamrat (stoning of the devil)
- Rami the three jamrat (stoning of the devil)
- Farewell Tawaf al-Wida
What Happens Before Hajj Starts
Although the official answer to when does the hajj begin is the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, preparation for Hajj begins long before that day.
- Preparation spiritually
Pilgrims are encouraged to prepare themselves spiritually through sincere repentance, increased prayer, learning Quran verses meaning about hajj and the rituals properly.
- Making Intention
Before arriving in Mecca to begin the rituals of Hajj, it is important for a Muslim to make the intention in their heart. The intention should be to perform Hajj sincerely for the sake of Allah alone and in pursuit of the rewards of the Hereafter, not for showing off, seeking praise from people, or gaining worldly benefits.
- Ihram
Before entering Makkah, pilgrims enter the state of Ihram at designated boundaries called Miqat. In this sacred state, pilgrims avoid certain actions such as cutting hair, using perfume, or engaging in arguments.
Travel and Preparation Timeline
For those asking when does the hajj begin, understanding the travel timeline can make the process much clearer.
Several Months Before Hajj
- Applying for visas
- Booking flights and accommodation
- Saving money for expenses
To perform Hajj, pilgrims need an official Hajj visa issued by the Saudi authorities. During the Hajj season, only pilgrims with valid permits and visas are allowed to enter Mecca.
Health Requirements and Safety Measures
Saudi Arabia has strict health rules to help protect pilgrims during Hajj, and vaccinations are one of the main requirements. Mandatory Vaccination include:
- The quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACYW) is required for all pilgrims older than one year.
- Pilgrims should receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Weeks Before Departure
- Packing Ihram clothing
- Preparing physically for long walking distances
- Settling debts and asking forgiveness from others
Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Many pilgrims arrive days before the official beginning of Hajj. Some perform Umrah before Hajj depending on the type of pilgrimage they choose.
Sacred Months in Islam & Blessed Times: “And remind them of the days of Allah”, Know and understand how to seize every second in sacred months in islam.
Conclusion
For Muslims around the world, understanding when does the hajj begin is more than learning a date on the calendar. Hajj officially begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, but its spiritual journey starts long before that through preparation, repentance, and sincere intention.
The first day of Hajj begins in Mina, where pilgrims prepare themselves for the sacred days ahead, especially the Day of Arafah. Every ritual during Hajj teaches lessons of patience, humility, obedience, and remembrance of Allah.
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FAQs
When does the hajj begin officially?
The official beginning of Hajj is on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Why does the date of Hajj change every year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so the Gregorian date changes annually.
What happens on the first day of Hajj?
Pilgrims enter Ihram, perform Tawaf al-Qudum, travel to Mina and prepare spiritually for the Day of Arafah.
Can pilgrims arrive before Hajj begins?
Yes, many pilgrims arrive early to prepare, perform Umrah, and get ready before the official start of Hajj.
How long does Hajj last?
The main rituals of Hajj last from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
