Hajj 2026 Schedule: Nearly 2 Million Muslims Begin Pilgrimage to Mecca on May 25

Nearly 2 million Muslims are preparing for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, set to begin on May 25 after the crescent moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, according to Al Jazeera.

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims worldwide, considered a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. It is also the fifth pillar of Islam.

Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This period falls about 70 days after the end of Ramadan. In 2026, Hajj will run from May 25 to May 27, though many believers arrive in Saudi Arabia weeks early to prepare.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, with each month lasting 29 or 30 days, so Hajj shifts 10–12 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.

The 5-Day Journey of Hajj

Muslims perform several rituals over the five days of Hajj. On the first day, pilgrims enter a sacred state called ihram, wearing white garments symbolizing equality and humility before God. They then head to Mecca to perform tawaf — walking around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise — followed by walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times in the sa’i ritual, reenacting the search for water by Hagar, wife of the Prophet Abraham.

At day's end, pilgrims move to Mina, about 8 km east of the Kaaba, where 100,000 white tents house millions of worshippers.

The second day is considered the most important of Hajj. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, 15 km from Mina, for wuquf — standing in prayer and repentance from noon until sunset. After sunset, they travel to Muzdalifah, 9 km away, for prayer and to collect pebbles for the next day's ritual.

The third day marks the first day of Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). From early morning, pilgrims return to Mina to perform the stoning ritual, throwing pebbles at three pillars symbolizing the rejection of Satan's temptations. They then — or a representative — perform an animal sacrifice to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. Men shave or cut their hair, and women cut a small lock, symbolizing spiritual renewal. Pilgrims return to Mecca for the main tawaf and sa’i.

On the fourth and fifth days, pilgrims go back to Mina and continue stoning all three pillars. Before leaving Mecca, they perform a final tawaf called tawaf al-wada (farewell tawaf), marking a spiritual goodbye to the holy city.

Eid al-Adha lasts up to three days in many countries, beginning with a special prayer right after dawn and dressing in one's finest clothes. Believers share meals, exchange gifts, and visit family and friends, greeting each other with “Eid Mubarak”.