Islamic Calendar 2026: Complete Guide to Islamic Dates, Holidays, and Events
The complete Islamic calendar guide for 2026 — covering Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Day of Ashura, and all major Islamic events with expected Gregorian dates.
Islamic Calendar 2026: Complete Guide to Islamic Dates, Holidays, and Events
The Islamic calendar for 2026 covers parts of two Hijri years: 1447 AH (which began in mid-2025 and runs into 2026) and 1448 AH (which begins in mid-2026). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all major Islamic dates, holidays, and events in the Islamic calendar 2026, helping Muslims worldwide plan their worship, fasting, and celebrations throughout the year.
Overview: Islamic Calendar 2026
The year 2026 in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to parts of two Islamic years:
- January 1 – July 2026: Approximately Jumada al-Thani 1447 through Muharram 1448
- Late June/July 2026 onwards: Beginning of Hijri year 1448 AH
Since the Hijri calendar is lunar (354–355 days), the Islamic New Year 1448 AH is expected to occur around late June or early July 2026, based on moon sighting.
Major Islamic Events in 2026
Ramadan 2026
Expected dates: Approximately February 17 – March 18, 2026 (Ramadan 1447 AH)
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam — the month in which the Quran was first revealed and in which fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims. In 2026, Ramadan falls in the moderate winter-to-spring transition in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning fasting hours of approximately 12–14 hours depending on location.
Eid al-Fitr 2026
Expected date: Approximately March 19, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the two major Islamic holidays. Muslims perform Eid prayer, pay Zakat al-Fitr (compulsory charity), and celebrate with family and community.
Eid al-Adha 2026
Expected date: Approximately May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
Eid al-Adha is the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Muslims who can afford it perform the Qurban (animal sacrifice) and distribute the meat among family, neighbors, and the poor. Hajj pilgrims are completing their pilgrimage during this period.
Islamic New Year 1448 AH
Expected date: Approximately June 26–27, 2026 (1 Muharram 1448 AH)
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new Hijri year, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is not typically celebrated with festivities but is observed with reflection, gratitude, and increased worship.
Day of Ashura 2026
Expected date: Approximately July 5–6, 2026 (10 Muharram 1448 AH)
Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram and is a highly significant day in Islam. Fasting on Ashura expiates sins of the previous year. The Prophet ﷺ recommended also fasting on the 9th of Muharram (the day before Ashura) to distinguish Muslim practice from that of others.
Month-by-Month Islamic Events in 2026
January 2026 (Jumada al-Thani / Rajab 1447 AH)
- General worship and preparation for Ramadan in the coming weeks
- Voluntary fasting on Mondays, Thursdays, and White Days recommended
February 2026 (Sha'ban / Ramadan 1447 AH)
- ~February 17: Ramadan begins (1 Ramadan 1447)
- Begin fasting, Tarawih prayers nightly, increased Quran recitation
March 2026 (Ramadan / Shawwal 1447 AH)
- ~March 9–17: Last ten nights of Ramadan — seek Laylat al-Qadr
- ~March 18: Last day of Ramadan
- ~March 19: Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal 1447)
- ~March 19–24: Six optional fasts of Shawwal begin
April 2026 (Shawwal / Dhul Qa'dah 1447 AH)
- Continue 6 fasts of Shawwal if not completed in March
- Prepare for Hajj season (registration, planning for those intending Hajj)
May 2026 (Dhul Qa'dah / Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
- ~May 18: First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah begin — the best 10 days of the year
- ~May 26: Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) — fasting expiates sins of two years
- ~May 27: Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah) — Festival of Sacrifice
- ~May 28–30: Days of Tashreeq (11, 12, 13 Dhul Hijjah)
June 2026 (Dhul Hijjah / Muharram 1448 AH)
- ~June 26: Islamic New Year 1448 AH (1 Muharram)
July 2026 (Muharram 1448 AH)
- ~July 5: Day of Ashura (10 Muharram 1448) — voluntary fasting
- Reflection on the new Islamic year
August 2026 (Safar / Rabi al-Awwal 1448 AH)
- Regular worship and voluntary fasting continue
September 2026 (Rabi al-Awwal 1448 AH)
- Mawlid al-Nabi (12 Rabi al-Awwal) — commemoration of the Prophet's birth (exact date TBD based on moon sighting)
October–December 2026
- Rajab 1448 arrives approximately in December 2026
- Ramadan 2027 preparation begins with Rajab 1448
The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah 2026
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are described in the Quran and Hadith as the best days of the year. Allah takes an oath by "ten nights" in Surah Al-Fajr (89:2), which classical scholars interpret as these ten days. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari)
Recommended acts during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 (~May 18–27, 2026):
- Increase in Dhikr: Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), Tahlil (La ilaha ill-Allah), Tasbih (Subhanallah)
- Fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah)
- Increased Quran recitation
- Charitable giving (Sadaqah)
- Not cutting hair or nails for those intending Qurban (from 1 Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice)
Hajj 2026
Hajj 2026 (Hajj 1447 AH) will take place during Dhul Hijjah 1447, approximately in late May 2026. The key Hajj dates are:
- 8 Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah): Pilgrims travel to Mina
- 9 Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah): Standing at Arafah — the central pillar of Hajj
- 10 Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Sacrifice, head shaving, stoning of Jamarat
- 11–13 Dhul Hijjah: Staying in Mina, continued stoning ritual
Planning Your Worship Year in 2026
To make the most of the Islamic calendar 2026, consider planning your year around these key periods:
- January–February: Prepare for Ramadan — establish worship habits
- February–March: Ramadan — maximum worship, fasting, Quran completion
- March 19: Eid al-Fitr — celebration and gratitude
- March–April: Six fasts of Shawwal, maintain Ramadan habits
- May: First ten days of Dhul Hijjah — major worship opportunity
- May 27: Eid al-Adha — sacrifice and community celebration
- Late June: Islamic New Year — reflection and goal-setting for 1448 AH
- July: Ashura fasting
Frequently Asked Questions About Islamic Calendar 2026
How many Islamic holidays are there in 2026?
The main Islamic holidays in 2026 are Eid al-Fitr (March 19) and Eid al-Adha (May 27). Additionally, significant dates include the Islamic New Year, Day of Ashura, Day of Arafah, and Mawlid al-Nabi. Some Muslim-majority countries also observe additional national Islamic holidays.
When does Ramadan 2026 fall relative to Ramadan 2025?
Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin in late February–early March 2025, while Ramadan 2026 begins approximately February 17, 2026 — about 11 days earlier as the lunar calendar progresses.
Can I download a printable Islamic calendar for 2026?
Yes. HijriGuide.com offers a free, customizable Islamic calendar PDF for download, including all Islamic events, fasting day markers, dual Hijri-Gregorian dates, and multiple color schemes and page sizes.