1st Zil Hajj 2026 in Saudi Arabia (Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
The twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar is Dhul Hijjah (also referred to as Zil Hajj), and the 1st of Zil Hajj 1447 AH officially marks its commencement. Following the successful sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, is the official start of the holy month.
Dhul Hijjah is revered as one of the holiest periods in Islam. Its first ten days are considered the most blessed days of the year, culminating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah, and the global celebrations of Eid ul-Adha.
Key Dates for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH / 2026
Because the moon was sighted on May 17, the major dates for the rituals and holidays in Saudi Arabia have been locked into the calendar:
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1st Zil Hajj 2026: Monday, May 18, 2026
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Day of Arafah (9th Zil Hajj): Tuesday, May 26, 2026
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Eid ul-Adha (10th Zil Hajj): Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The Moon Sighting Procedure
In Saudi Arabia, the official calendar is verified by the Supreme Court, which issues a public directive calling on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the new crescent moon (Hilal) on the 29th day of Dhu al-Qadah (the preceding month).
On Sunday, May 17, official moon-sighting committees, astronomical observatories, and individual citizens gathered to scan the western horizon right after sunset. Once the crescent was confirmed via both technological equipment and physical sight, the official declaration was broadcast to Muslims worldwide. This unified announcement serves as the definitive timeline for the Millions of pilgrims arriving in Mecca for Hajj.
Significance of the Month
The first ten days of Zil Hajj hold an unmatched spiritual weight in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds, give to charity, perform extra prayers, and fast-especially on the Day of Arafah for those not performing the pilgrimage. The month concludes its opening week with the Qurbani (sacrificial) celebrations of Eid ul-Adha, commemorating the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
What is 1st Zil Hajj in Islam?
Zil Hajj (Dhul Hijjah) is the 12th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
The 1st of Zil Hajj marks:
- Beginning of the sacred month
- Start of Hajj rituals preparation
- Beginning of the first ten blessed days
- Countdown to Eid al-Adha
Allah mentions the importance of these days in the Quran:
“By the dawn; and by the ten nights.”
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)
Islamic scholars explain these “ten nights” as the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Expected Date in Bangladesh, India & Pakistan
Countries in South Asia often observe the moon one day later than Saudi Arabia.
Expected date:
| Country | Expected 1st Zil Hajj 2026 |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 20 May 2026 |
| India | 20 May 2026 |
| Pakistan | 20 May 2026 |
Final confirmation depends on local moon sighting committees.
Moon Sighting and Regional Differences
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar:
- Saudi Arabia may announce earlier
- South Asian countries may differ by one day
- Some communities follow local moon sighting
- Others follow Saudi Arabia
Official moon sighting authorities include:
Why is 1st Zil Hajj Important?
Beginning of Dhul Hijjah
This month is among the four sacred months in Islam.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve… four of them are sacred.”
(Quran 9:36)
Start of Hajj Season
Millions of Muslims prepare for Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Official Hajj information:
Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Countdown to Eid ul-Adha
The 10th of Zil Hajj is Eid al-Adha, celebrated worldwide through:
- Eid prayers
- Qurbani (animal sacrifice)
- Charity
- Family gatherings
Key Islamic Events in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Day 1: Beginning of Zil Hajj
Start fasting and extra worship.
Day 8: Yawm al-Tarwiyah
Pilgrims begin moving toward Mina.
Day 9: Day of Arafah
The most important day of Hajj.
Recommended:
- Fast for non-pilgrims
- Make dua
- Seek forgiveness
Day 10: Eid al-Adha-Celebration of Sacrifice and Obedience
The 10th day of Zil Hajj (Dhul Hijjah) is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. This sacred day commemorates the extraordinary faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son in complete submission to Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice was carried out, Allah replaced his son with a ram, demonstrating that true devotion lies in sincere faith, obedience, and trust in Allah. Eid ul-Adha reminds Muslims of the importance of sacrifice, gratitude, and compassion. On this day, Muslims perform the special Eid prayer, offer Qurbani (animal sacrifice), recite Takbir, wear clean clothes, visit family and friends, and share meat and food with the poor and needy. It is a powerful reminder that faith requires commitment, selflessness, and generosity toward others.
Recommended Acts of Worship During the First 10 Days
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred and spiritually rewarding days in Islam. Prophet Muhammad said that there are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days, making them a special opportunity for Muslims to increase worship and seek Allah’s mercy and blessings.
One of the most recommended acts during these days is fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting on this day carries immense reward, as it is believed to expiate the sins of the previous and coming year for those who are not performing Hajj. Even if a person cannot fast all nine days, observing the fast on Arafah is highly encouraged.
Muslims are also encouraged to increase voluntary prayers (Salah) during these blessed days. In addition to the five daily prayers, offering extra Sunnah and Nafl prayers, such as Tahajjud and Duha, helps strengthen one’s connection with Allah and brings spiritual peace and reward. These extra prayers are an opportunity to seek forgiveness, make heartfelt dua, and improve one’s relationship with the Creator.
Another highly recommended act is the frequent recitation of Takbir, glorifying Allah by saying phrases such as Allahu Akbar, Alhamdulillah, SubhanAllah, and La ilaha illallah. During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are encouraged to keep their tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah, whether at home, in the mosque, while traveling, or during daily activities. This continuous remembrance keeps the heart spiritually alive and focused on worship.
Giving charity (Sadaqah) is another important act of worship during these sacred days. Helping the poor, feeding the hungry, supporting Islamic causes, or sponsoring Qurbani allows Muslims to demonstrate compassion and generosity. Since good deeds are multiplied during Dhul Hijjah, every act of charity carries even greater spiritual reward and reflects the values of mercy and kindness taught in Islam.
Finally, Muslims should dedicate extra time to reading and reflecting on the Quran. Dhul Hijjah is an ideal time to reconnect with Allah’s words by increasing daily recitation, reading translation and tafsir, and reflecting on the meanings of the verses. Even spending a few extra minutes each day with the Quran can strengthen faith, bring peace to the heart, and deepen one’s understanding of Islam.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a rare and precious opportunity for spiritual growth. Through fasting, prayer, remembrance, charity, and Quran recitation, Muslims can maximize these blessed days and earn immense rewards from Allah.
1st Zil Hajj 2026 Moon Sighting Updates
For live updates, monitor:
Country-wise Expected 1st Zil Hajj 2026 Dates
| Country | Date |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 19 May 2026 |
| UAE | 19 May 2026 |
| UK | 19–20 May 2026 |
| USA | 19–20 May 2026 |
| Bangladesh | 20 May 2026 |
| India | 20 May 2026 |
| Pakistan | 20 May 2026 |
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FAQ Section
What is the expected date of 1st Zil Hajj 2026?
Expected on 19 May 2026 in Saudi Arabia and 20 May 2026 in South Asia.
Why does 1st Zil Hajj differ by country?
Because different countries follow different moon sighting methods.
Is 1st Zil Hajj confirmed?
No, it is confirmed only after official moon sighting announcements.
Why are the first 10 days important?
They are among the holiest days in Islam for worship and good deeds.
