Islamic Calendar 2026: Hijri Dates and Months

The Hijri calendar is not just dates — it shapes your worship, fasts, and sacred months. This guide gives the 2026 Hijri timeline, explains month names, and shows how to track the Hijri date where you live.

Quick summary

• Learn the twelve Hijri months and their sequence for 2026.
• Identify key 2026 observances tied to Hijri months.
• Use reliable online sources and local moon-sighting for final dates.
• Sync your phone calendar with Hijri and confirm before major rituals.
• Track Dhu al-Hijjah and Muharram when planning travel or worship.
• Compare Gregorian–Hijri conversion methods for everyday planning.
• Check local mosque announcements before Ramadan or Eid.
• Use DeenUp features to receive Quranic verses and dua aligned to dates.

"إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا"

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months."

— Quran 9:36

Video walkthrough: How the Hijri calendar maps to 2026 dates

This short video shows a visual mapping of Hijri months onto the 2026 Gregorian year and practical tips for tracking dates.

The twelve Hijri months and what each means

Understand the sequence and the core religious notes tied to each month.

1. Muharram — sacred beginnings

Muharram is the first month of the Hijri year and one of the four sacred months in which fighting is prohibited. Many honor Ashura (10th day) with fasting and reflection; consult community practice for specifics. For background on sacred months see the Qur'anic statement on the months Quran 9:36 on quran.com.

2. Safar — planning and caution

Safar follows Muharram. Historically it carried mixed cultural practices, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) discouraged superstitions; follow authentic teachings and verify actions with scholars. For guidance on ritual timing and community rulings, see a reliable fatwa on moon-sighting and communal practice Dar al-Ifta guidance.

3. Rabi' al-Awwal — Mawlid considerations

Rabi' al-Awwal marks the Prophet's birth in many cultures; different communities observe it differently. If you plan celebrations or extra study, coordinate with local scholars for appropriate conduct and timings. For reflections on the spiritual aims of worship and fasting consult the Quranic reminder about fasting and devotion Quran 2:183 on quran.com.

4. Rabi' al-Thani (Rabi' al-Akhir)

A regular month for worship and study. Use it to build Quran reading habits and local mosque programs.

Common Mistake Mistaking cultural customs for fiqh rulings leads to confusion; always check actions against authentic hadith and consult scholars.

5. Jumada al-Awwal and 6. Jumada al-Thani

These months are transitional — good times to begin sustained acts like daily dhikr or a prayer schedule for the year. Plan now, set reminders, and track progress.

7. Rajab — one of the sacred months

Rajab holds extra respect but avoid claiming special new rulings without scholarly backing; use Rajab for extra dua, charity, and Quran study.

8. Sha'ban — preparation month before Ramadan

The Prophet (peace be upon him) increased voluntary worship in Sha'ban. Use this month to build stamina for Ramadan: raise voluntary prayers and increase Quran reading.

Tip Start a simple habit: read one page of the Quran each day in Sha'ban to enter Ramadan with momentum.

9. Ramadan — fasting and deep worship

Ramadan is the ninth month and the month of fasting. For precise starting dates in 2026, follow local moon-sighting announcements and confirm with trusted sources. For a practical explanation of fasting's purpose, see the Qur'anic guidance on fasting and its objectives Quran 2:183 on quran.com.

10. Shawwal — Eid and six days of optional fasting

Shawwal begins with Eid al-Fitr. Many aim to fast six days after Eid; check local calendars and mosque notices for exact dates.

11. Dhu al-Qi'dah — sacred pause before pilgrimage

This is a calmer month leading into Dhu al-Hijjah. Pilgrims prepare for Hajj logistics and non-pilgrims prepare for Dhu al-Hijjah worship.

12. Dhu al-Hijjah — Hajj and Eid al-Adha

Dhu al-Hijjah hosts Hajj rituals and Eid al-Adha on the 10th. The first ten days are highly virtuous; plan charity and worship here. For practical Hajj timing and rituals see community and scholarly overviews such as this calendar background Islamicity's overview.

How the Hijri calendar aligns with Gregorian dates in 2026

Conversion is approximate; final religious dates depend on local moon sighting. Use calculations for planning, but verify before rituals.

Conversion basics and common methods

Two main approaches:

• Astronomical calculations (predictable, good for planning).
• Local moon sighting (traditional, community-based).

Both are valid tools; many communities combine them. For theological context and method debates see the Qur’anic verse about the months quran.com/9/36 and practical overviews like this one on Islamicity Understanding the Islamic calendar.

Typical differences you’ll see in 2026 planning

Expect 1–2 day variances between calculated calendars and local sighting announcements. These differences affect Ramadan start, Eid, and Hajj dates — confirm with your mosque.

Tip for travelers and expatriates

When traveling, follow the ruling of the place you are currently in for acts of worship. If uncertain, consult the local Islamic authority or a trusted fatwa center such as Dar al-Ifta specific answers.

Practical tools to track "hijri date today in usa" and worldwide

Use a mix of technology and local authority to stay accurate.

Phone calendar and apps

Enable Hijri display in your phone settings or use a reputable Islamic calendar app. Cross-check app dates against local mosque announcements around Ramadan and Eid.

Mosque announcements and community committees

Follow your local moon-sighting committee or mosque for final confirmation. For authoritative rulings and community practices, consult educational resources such as the calendar overview on Islamicity.

Digital reminders and daily dua

Set daily reminders for key Hijri dates and use platforms that send Quranic verses and duas tied to the Hijri calendar. For study and context, read educational pieces on calendrical relevance such as the Islamicity overview Understanding the Islamic calendar.

Planning around Dhu al-Hijjah 2024 and longer cycles

Looking back at Dhu al-Hijjah 2024 helps you map future patterns and personal commitments.

Using past months for future planning

Track when Dhu al-Hijjah fell in 2024 to estimate shifting seasons in 2026, especially for travel and Hajj-related logistics. For historical calendar context and communal rulings, see scholar notes and articles like Islamicity's overview.

Practical checklist for Dhu al-Hijjah preparation

• Verify expected Dhu al-Hijjah start in your region
• Schedule charity and sacrificial arrangements if applicable
• Book travel early if performing Hajj or Umrah
• Plan extra Quran and dua sessions in first ten days
• Arrange time off work or family responsibilities

Common Mistake Planning Hajj or Eid logistics solely from a calculated calendar can cause schedule conflicts; always confirm with local announcements.

Tip Keep a running list of important Hijri dates in a single calendar app and mark them as "pending confirmation" two days before the expected date.

Quick reference: Expected Hijri months across Gregorian 2026 (approximate)

How to decide: calculation vs. local sighting (practical steps)

Follow these steps to act with confidence.

Step 1: Use a reliable calculated calendar for planning

Choose astronomical-based calendars to block travel, work leave, and family plans.

Step 2: Watch local mosque and moon-sighting statements 48–72 hours before

Treat local announcements as the final word for communal acts of worship.

Step 3: If in doubt, consult a qualified scholar

For personal rulings or conflicts, contact a local scholar or a trusted fatwa service such as Dar al-Ifta specific answers.

Tools and reading to deepen understanding (selected resources)

• For the scriptural basis of months: Quran 9:36 on quran.com
• On hadith and prophetic practice: Sunnah reference hadith collections
• On worship timing and Eid practice: Dar al-Ifta guidance
• For spiritual framing of fasting and months: Quran 2:183 on quran.com
• Practical calendar background: Islamicity article on the Islamic calendar
• Scholarly educational perspective: Islamicity article on the Islamic calendar
• Community context and lived practice: Islamicity overview of calendars
• Practical personal rulings and clarifications: Dar al-Ifta specific fatwa

Checklist for major Hijri dates in 2026

• Mark tentative Ramadan start and Eid dates in your calendar
• Confirm with local mosque 48–72 hours prior to observance
• Arrange travel and lodging for Hajj/Umrah well in advance
• Plan charity and sacrificial logistics for Dhu al-Hijjah
• Set reminders for Muharram reflection and Ashura fasting
• Schedule family reminders for Ramadan preparation in Sha'ban

Common questions about using Hijri dates in daily life

Managing work, school, and religious days

Communicate early with employers and schools when you expect to observe Eid or need time for Hajj. Use calculated dates to create preliminary plans but finalize with local sighting.

Synchronizing calendars across countries

If family lives abroad, agree on whether you follow your local mosque or a specific authoritative community. For travel, follow local rulings of where you are physically present.

Conclusion

The Islamic Hijri calendar is a practical and sacred framework for your worship and community life. For 2026, learn the twelve months, use calculated calendars for planning, and confirm major ritual dates with your local moon-sighting committee or mosque. Rely on trustworthy resources, consult qualified scholars for personal rulings, and use tools like phone Hijri calendars plus community announcements to make sure your Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj plans are correct. Keep this guide as a planning map: prepare early, verify locally, and use each month as an opportunity to increase worship, charity, and Quranic connection.