When is Hajj 2026? Dates, Packages & Travel Guide for Pilgrims
There is just one time of the year, Muslims desperately wait for. They plan their pilgrimage a year ahead or so, sometimes they hire an agency to look after the plan, so they can focus on what matters. This is one of the perks of making your spiritual journey worthwhile, hiring an agency to get done with all documentation, expenses checklist, preparations, accommodation guide and so on. We all wait for our turn, and nobody knows when they are going to be called to perform this holy ritual.
Hajj is one of the supreme blessings and commitments in Islam, a holy journey that brings a Muslim closer to Allah. For many, it is a one-time chance. If you are already planning this divine trip, the very first question that comes to mind is:
When is Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 is predicted to take place between Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Sunday, May 31, 2026 (6th to 10th of Zil Hajj, 1447 AH), based on the lunar calendar and subject to moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, exact dates may vary somewhat depending on your country’s moon sighting.
In this blog, we will cover all the aspects of Hajj 2026, and answer all your questions about Hajj 2026 dates, Zil Hajj moon sighting, cost details, rituals, and essential tips for preparation. If you’re searching for reliable Hajj packages with comprehensive guidance, Hejaz-e-Moqaddus is here to make your hajj smooth, seamless, and stress-free. Once you know when Hajj 2026 is, you might get more aligned, and determined towards your plan.
What is Hajj in Islam?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a blessed obligation that every Muslim must perform once in their lifetime if they are materially, physically and monetarily capable. This journey to Makkah during the month of Zil Hajj holds immense spiritual value.
The Holy Quran commands:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or wrongdoing will return (sin-free) like the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Hajj is not just a ritual; it is a journey of forgiveness, humility, and closeness to Allah. It is something that you cannot just express in words, this is a satisfaction from within that directly connects you to the love of Islam and Allah. A sense of promise and accountability comes from within once you start your spiritual journey.
We understand that the sensitivity, spiritual significance of the Holy journey, and everything that is related to your trip is eventually handled by a highly-responsible agency like Hejaz.
(Read more about our values and services on the About Us page.)
When is Zil Hajj 2026?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and Zil Hajj (Dhul Hijjah) is its 12th month—the month in which Hajj and Eid ul Adha take place.
For 2026, Zil Hajj is predicted to begin around May 21 or May 22, 2026, based on the moon sighting. Accordingly, Hajj will take place from 6th to 10th Zil Hajj, which corresponds to May 26 to May 31, 2026 (Gregorian calendar).
Is Zil Hajj Moon Sighted in Pakistan?
Yes, Pakistan has to follow the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for moon sighting. This organization ensures and confirms the start of Islamic months after visually sighting the moon. For Hajj 2026, Zil Hajj is expected to begin on May 21, 2026, in Pakistan, which means Eid ul Adha will likely be around May 31, 2026.
Why is this all so vital to know? Hajj dates differ from country to country due to time zone differences and moon sighting differences, but pilgrims in Makkah follow the official Saudi calendar.
(If you’re planning from Pakistan or abroad, see our Hajj Packages for complete travel solutions.)
How to Perform Hajj – Step by Step
It is not only significant to know when Hajj 2026 is, but also to understand how to rightly perform it and make the most of it. Few things should be fulfilled, spiritually, if this is your first Hajj, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of rituals. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple and clear. Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of how to perform Hajj:
1. Ihram
Enter the state of Ihram at the designated Miqat, make the intention (Niyyah), and wear the Ihram clothing. Ihram is a holy state which a Muslim must arrive to perform the Ḥajj or ʿUmrah in Islam. A pilgrim must enter into this state before crossing the pilgrimage border known as the Miqat by performing the cleansing rites and wearing the prescribed Ihram clothing.
2. Tawaf
Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, circling it seven times. Tawaf is the sacred circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, an obligatory act of worship during Hajj and Umrah.
3. Sa’i
Walk between Safa and Marwa hills seven times. (سعی) in Arabic means “to strive” or “to walk with effort.” In the context of Hajj and Umrah, it refers to the ritual of walking or running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
4. Mina
Spend the night at Mina in prayer and reflection. Mina, in the context of Hajj, refers to a valley situated between Mecca and Muzdalifah in Saudi Arabia, also recognized as the “Tent City”.
5. Arafat
On the 9th of Zil Hajj, stand in Arafat, make Duas, and seek forgiveness. This is the most important part of Hajj. Mount Arafat is the place where Adam and Eve reunited on Earth after falling from Heaven, believing the mountain to be the place where they were forgiven.
6. Muzdalifah
Stay overnight, collect pebbles for stoning the Jamarat. Muzdalifah is a valley and an open, level area near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Hajj pilgrims spend the night under the open sky on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah after leaving Arafat and before heading to Mina.
7. Rami al-Jamarat
Stone the three pillars that symbolize Shaytan. Ramy al-Jamarat, also known as the Stoning of the Devil, is a ritual performed during the Hajj pilgrimage where Muslims throw pebbles at three walls (formerly pillars) called jamarat in the Mina valley.
8. Qurbani
Offer the animal sacrifice (Qurbani) as part of Hajj rituals. Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, is a significant Islamic ritual performed during Eid al-Adha to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
9. Tawaf al-Ifadah
Perform another Tawaf after sacrifice. Tawaf al-Ifadah (or Tawaf al-Ziyarah) is a mandatory pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage, performed by circumambulating the Kaaba seven times after returning to Mecca from Mina on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Sacrifice).
10. Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
Before leaving Makkah, perform the Farewell Tawaf. Tawaf al-Wida, or the Farewell Tawaf, is the final circumambulation of the Kaaba performed by a pilgrim before leaving Makkah after the Hajj, acting as a symbolic goodbye to the Sacred House.
How Much Does Hajj Cost in 2026?
Also, it is important to know the cost beforehand, so you can manage your finances accordingly. We help you with the complete guide with how much does Hajj cost, The additional occurring expenses along the way, and other requirements of Hajj depending on the package type, accommodation, and the level of services. Here’s an overview of Hajj 2026 cost from Pakistan:
- Economy Package: PKR 950,000 – 1,200,000
- Standard Package: PKR 1,400,000 – 1,800,000
- VIP Package: PKR 2,200,000+
What’s included in these packages?
✔ Flight tickets
✔ Hotel accommodation near Haram
✔ Meals and refreshments
✔ Internal transportation in Saudi Arabia
✔ Religious guidance throughout your journey
How Much Does Hajj Cost in the USA?
There are plans and packages regardless of what state you belong to. There is a large number of Muslims residing in the USA, who wish to perform Hajj each year, so here is the detail that can really help you prior to your Hajj. If you’re traveling from the USA, costs are higher due to long-distance flights, premium accommodation, and visa processing.
Average Hajj cost from the USA in 2026:
- Economy: $11,000 – $12,500
- Standard: $13,000 – $15,000
- VIP: $18,000 – $20,000+
We provide customized packages for international pilgrims, confirming comfort and convenience from your departure to return.
Preparing for Hajj 2026 – Essential Tips
A successful Hajj requires planning ahead. Here are some essential tips:
Book Early: Slots fill up quickly. Secure your package 8–10 months before Hajj.
Health Check-Up & Vaccinations: Saudi authorities require specific vaccinations; get them on time.
Start Saving Now: Plan your budget for flights, packages, and personal expenses.
Pack Smart: Ihram clothing, relaxed footwear, prayer mats, medications, and essentials.
Why Choose Hejaz-e-Moqaddus for Hajj 2026?
You should choose a Hajj agency to get advantage from their expertise, handle complex logistics like visas and flights, provide vital accommodations and transport, and offer care and guidance throughout the journey, allowing you to emphasize on the divine experience of the pilgrimage.
When you choose a Hajj operator, trust and reliability are everything. At Hejaz-e-Moqaddus, we’ve been serving pilgrims for years with:
✔ Authentic and approved Hajj services
✔ Affordable packages for every budget
✔ Comfortable accommodation near Haram
✔ Guided Ziarat tours of Makkah, Madinah, and holy sites
✔ 24/7 support team for your peace of mind
We believe in making your pilgrimage stress-free and spiritually enriching.
The Wrap up:
You must not compromise when it comes to Hajj and Umrah. An agency that can give you complete peace of mind, serve you with experience and expertise, guide you towards the hajj performance, give you support and guidance, and make your spiritual journey more peaceful, fulfilling, and meaningful, you must invest in it. We also have customized packages for you, guidance about what is hajj in islam, and other aspects, and aspects, it is a plus-plus for you. We let you focus on your Hajj while we take care of everything from protection to convenience.
Book Your Hajj 2026 Package Today
Hajj is a sacred obligation and an unforgettable journey. Don’t wait until the last moment, limited slots are available for 2026.