Fast Facts: What to Know About Hajj

Fast Facts: What to Know About Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a transformative journey that every Muslim aspires to complete. Here’s what makes it so special and significant.

The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS)

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was the first to perform Hajj. He re-built the Kaaba in Mecca and was commanded by Allah (SWT) to invite others to make the pilgrimage there.

It was established as a pillar of Islam during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) lifetime, following his pilgrimage in 632 CE.

‘And ˹remember˺ when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, ˹saying:˺ “Do not associate anything with Me ˹in worship˺ and purify My House for those who circle ˹the Kaba˺, stand ˹in prayer˺, and bow and prostrate themselves. Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path.”’ (Qur’an 22:26-27)

Hajj Dates for 2026: Timeline and Schedule

Hajj takes place over five days during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. It begins on the 8th day and concludes on the 12th.

Since Hajj follows the lunar calendar, its dates shift each year. In 2026, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on 18 May 2026. This means Hajj will take place from the evening of 25 May to the evening of 30 May 2026.

Those unable to perform Hajj can still benefit from the blessings of these days. Fasting on the 9th day, the Day of Arafah, is highly recommended. The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said that fasting on this day:

‘[…] expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.’ (Muslim)

Traditions and Rituals of the Oldest Pilgrimage

Most of the rituals and practices of Hajj come to us from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. This highlights the special honour Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon them.

Here is a brief guide to the main rituals observed today. You may have heard pilgrims mention these.

• Sai: The Walk Between Safa and Marwa
  Sa’i is one of the key rites of Hajj and Umrah. It is inspired by the story of Hajar (AS), who paced between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son Ismail (AS). The literal meaning of Sa’i is to walk, strive, or pursue.
   
• Ramy al-Jamarat: The Stoning of the Devil
  The stoning of the pillars at Mina symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of the devil. When Allah (SWT) commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), the devil tried to distract him. Ibrahim (AS) stoned the devil, showing his unwavering faith and commitment to Allah (SWT).
   
• Arafah: The Day of Mercy and Reflection
  The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant days of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat at sunrise and spend the day in worship. Within this plain is Jabal ar-Rahmah, or Mount Arafat, a small granite hill known as the Mountain of Mercy. It is here that Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his son. In His mercy, Allah (SWT) sent a ram as a substitute for Ismail (AS). Mount Arafat is also the place where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave his final sermon.
   
• Qurbani: The Sacrifice in Remembrance of Ibrahim (AS)
  Offering an animal is one of the final rites of Hajj. It honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. Muslims who are not performing Hajj sacrifice an animal during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of this tradition.
   
• Circling the Kaba: A Sacred Ritual
  This is probably what most people imagine when they think of Hajj and Umrah. The exact origins of circling the Kaaba are unclear. However, early sources tell us that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) performed this rite during the first Hajj. It remains a key part of the pilgrimage today.

What Pilgrims Say About the Benefits of Hajj

Hajj is a Fard (obligatory) for every able Muslim who has the means to perform it. Here are some of the many benefits pilgrims report.

• A Transformative Journey
  Hajj is deeply significant for every person who makes the journey. It is an invitation to perform the sacred rites and visit some of the holiest places on earth.
   
• A Way to Give Thanks
  Hajj is a tangible way to give thanks. It is both physically and financially demanding, and undertaking it expresses gratitude for the health and means to travel.
   
• Ihram: Dressing in the Pilgrim’s Garb
  Hajj begins with ihram. Men wear two white, seamless sheets and women wear plain, modest garments, symbolising spiritual purity as pilgrims set aside worldly concerns.
   
• A Way to Revive the Unity of the Ummah
  While in ihram, pilgrims must not harm animals, have intimate relations with their spouses, cut their hair or nails, or use perfume. Wearing ihram teaches patience, self control and endurance, especially because the rites are physically demanding and the heat can be intense.
   
• Hajj fosters unity
  Muslims from many backgrounds gather to perform the same rites, reinforcing communal solidarity and shared faith.

Did you find these facts interesting? Download our Hajj Quiz and test your knowledge.

 
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