Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the most profound acts of worship a believer can ever undertake. Hajj 2026 is expected to take place from Monday 25 May to Saturday 30 May 2026, with the Day of Arafah falling on Tuesday 26 May and Eid al-Adha expected on Wednesday 27 May 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Yet Dhul Hijjah is not only for the pilgrim. Whether you are standing at Arafah or sitting in your living room in Birmingham, the first ten days of this blessed month carry immense reward for every Muslim. At Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre (GLMCC), we want to help you make the most of them.

When Does Dhul Hijjah 2026 Begin?

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, it is expected to begin on Sunday 17 May or Monday 18 May, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Key dates to diarise include:

• 1 Dhul Hijjah: approx. 17 to 18 May 2026 (start of the best 10 days)
• 9 Dhul Hijjah, Day of Arafah: approx. 26 May 2026
• 10 Dhul Hijjah, Eid al-Adha: approx. 27 May 2026
• Days of Tashreeq: 11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah

For confirmed local dates and prayer timings, keep an eye on our events and activities page and follow Green Lane Masjid on Instagram and Facebook.

Why Is Dhul Hijjah a Sacred Month in Islam?

In Islam, four of the twelve lunar months are considered sacred, and Dhul Hijjah is one of them. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve, in the Record of Allah the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred.” Qur’an 9:36

These months are set apart for reflection, restraint and righteousness. Sins committed in them are considered graver, and good deeds carry greater weight. Dhul Hijjah, however, holds a rank of its own, because within it lie the ten best days of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” Sahih al-Bukhari 969

The Virtues of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Many Muslims are surprised to learn that, in certain respects, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered even greater than the last ten nights of Ramadan. Allah Himself swears by them in the Qur’an:

“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.” Qur’an 89:1 to 2

When Allah takes an oath by something, it signals its enormous weight and honour.

These days also carry a powerful historical weight. Many of the rites performed during Hajj, from the sa’i between Safa and Marwah to the stoning at Jamarat and the Qurbani itself, trace back to the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), his wife Hajar and their son Isma’il. Dhul Hijjah is therefore a month that invites us to step into our prophetic heritage and draw living lessons from it.

So how do we honour these days? By increasing in good deeds, drawing near to Allah, and treating this season as seriously as we treat Ramadan.

6 Recommended Acts of Worship for Dhul Hijjah 2026

Here are six simple, impactful ways to make these blessed days count.

1. Strengthen Your Prayer

Begin with the five obligatory prayers, aiming to pray them on time and in congregation wherever possible. Then, build upwards: the sunnah prayers, tahajjud in the last third of the night, and duha in the morning. If prayer has slipped, use Dhul Hijjah as a reset. Our daily congregational prayers at Green Lane Masjid are a beautiful place to start.

2. Fast the First 9 Days

It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ would fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. Even one or two of these fasts is a profound way to follow his example, discipline the self and earn reward. Those who cannot fast daily can still choose Mondays, Thursdays or the Day of Arafah.

3. Fast the Day of Arafah (Tuesday 26 May 2026)

Of all these fasts, the Day of Arafah carries unique weight. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” Sahih Muslim 1162

If you fast only one day in Dhul Hijjah, make it this one.

4. Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

The tongue of the believer should be busy in these days. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah, nor any in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. Ibn Majah

Recite throughout the day:

• Tahlil: La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god worthy of worship but Allah)
• Takbir: Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
• Tahmid: Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)

A simple habit: set a reminder on your phone three times a day to pause, reset and repeat these phrases.

5. Give Your Qurbani (Udhiya)

Every able Muslim household is encouraged to offer a Qurbani during the days of Eid al-Adha. The meat is traditionally divided into three: one portion for your family, one for friends and neighbours, and one for the poor and needy. It is a living echo of Prophet Ibrahim’s submission, and a reminder that our wealth was never truly ours to hoard.

In the UK, personal slaughter is not permitted, but you can still fulfil your Qurbani by giving on behalf of those in need overseas. Our partners deliver Qurbani 2026 to vulnerable communities around the world.

6. Repent and Return to Allah

Dhul Hijjah is a gift of new beginnings. Whatever the past year has held, the door of mercy is wide open. Allah says:

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” Qur’an 39:53

Make time for sincere tawbah: reflect on what you want to leave behind, seek forgiveness, and commit to a better year ahead.

Additional Ways to Benefit This Dhul Hijjah

Beyond the core acts, consider:

• Giving daily sadaqah during the 10 days through our website
• Supporting the GLMCC Foodbank by donating to our welfare services
• Reciting a portion of the Qur’an daily, aiming to complete a juz or more across the ten days
• Attending GLMCC lectures, khutbahs and Eid events, listed on our activities page
• Making sincere dua, especially on the Day of Arafah, which is the greatest day for supplication

Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026 with Green Lane Masjid

Eid al-Adha is expected on Wednesday 27 May 2026, insha’Allah. Our annual Eid prayers, family events and community celebrations welcome thousands of worshippers every year. Find the latest information on prayer timings and venues on our website.

Make the Most of Dhul Hijjah 2026: Act Today

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah will pass quickly. Don’t let them slip by unnoticed.

• Prepare spiritually: plan your prayers, fasts and dhikr from 17 May onwards
• Give generously: donate your Qurbani or support GLMCC’s ongoing work
• Stay connected: follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for daily reminders, lectures and Eid updates
• Join the community: visit us at Green Lane Masjid, 20 Green Lane, Birmingham, B9 5DB

May Allah allow us to reach Dhul Hijjah 2026, accept our deeds, and forgive our shortcomings. Ameen.