Understanding the Islamic holidays in 2026 is essential for planning religious observances, travel, community events, and global celebrations. Below is the most accurate, comprehensive, and SEO-optimized guide to all major Islamic events in 2026, including Hijri dates, Gregorian dates, significance, customs, and prayer timings.
Overview of Islamic Holidays in 2026
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which means dates shift yearly in the Gregorian calendar. The list below includes Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, and other important months in 1447–1448 Hijri.
Full List of Islamic Holidays 2026 (Hijri 1447–1448)
| Festival / Event | Hijri Date | Day | Gregorian Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isra Miraj | 2 Rajab 1447 | Friday | 16 January 2026 |
| Beginning of Shaban | 1 Shaban 1447 | Tuesday | 20 January 2026 |
| Nisfu Shaban | 15 Shaban 1447 | Tuesday | 3 February 2026 |
| Beginning of Ramadan | 1 Ramadan 1447 | Thursday | 19 February 2026 |
| Nuzul-ul-Qur’an | 17 Ramadan 1447 | Saturday | 7 March 2026 |
| Laylat-ul-Qadr | 27 Ramadan 1447 | Tuesday | 17 March 2026 |
| Beginning of Shawwal | 1 Shawwal 1447 | Friday | 20 March 2026 |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 1 Shawwal 1447 | Friday | 20 March 2026 |
| Beginning of Dhul Qada | 1 Dhul-Qada 1447 | Saturday | 18 April 2026 |
| Beginning of Dhul Hijjah | 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 | Monday | 18 May 2026 |
| Waqf at Arafah (Hajj) | 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 | Tuesday | 26 May 2026 |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 | Wednesday | 27 May 2026 |
| Days of Tashreeq | 11–13 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 | Thu–Sat | 28–30 May 2026 |
| Islamic New Year | 1 Muharram 1448 | Tuesday | 16 June 2026 |
| Ashura | 10 Muharram 1448 | Thursday | 25 June 2026 |
| Beginning of Safar | 1 Safar 1448 | Thursday | 16 July 2026 |
| Beginning of Rabi-ul-Awwal | 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 | Friday | 24 August 2026 |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) | 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 | Tuesday | 25 August 2026 |
| Beginning of Rabi-ul-Thani | 1 Rabi-ul-Thani 1448 | Saturday | 12 September 2026 |
| Beginning of Jumada-ul-Ula | 1 Jumada-ul-Ula 1448 | Monday | 12 October 2026 |
| Beginning of Jumada-ul-Akhirah | 1 Jumada-ul-Akhirah 1448 | Wednesday | 11 November 2026 |
| Beginning of Rajab (Sacred Month) | 1 Rajab 1448 | Thursday | 10 December 2026 |
Detailed Explanation of Major Islamic Holidays 2026
Isra and Mi’raj – 16 January 2026
The Night Journey and Ascension commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous travel from Makkah to Jerusalem and ascent to the heavens. Muslims observe this day with:
- Night prayers
- Recitation of Surah Al-Isra
- Special gatherings and lectures
Nisfu Shaban – 3 February 2026
Also known as Shab-e-Barat, this night is believed to be a night of forgiveness and mercy.
- People pray throughout the night
- Visit graves and make duas
- Give charity and fast the next day
Ramadan 2026 – Starts 19 February 2026
The holiest month for Muslims; a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Key Dates in Ramadan 2026:
- Nuzul-ul-Qur’an: 7 March 2026
- Laylat-ul-Qadr: 17 March 2026
Common practices:
- Taraweeh prayers
- Fasting from dawn to dusk
- Night worship and additional charity
Eid-ul-Fitr – 20 March 2026
Marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrations include:
- Eid prayer at mosques
- Family gatherings
- Zakat-ul-Fitr (mandatory charity)
Hajj Season & Dhul Hijjah 2026
1 Dhul-Hijjah – 18 May 2026
Beginning of the sacred Hajj month.
Day of Arafah – 26 May 2026
The holiest day for pilgrims.
- Non-pilgrims fast this day
- Pilgrims stand at Arafat in prayer
Eid-ul-Adha – 27 May 2026
Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Practices include:
- Qurbani (animal sacrifice)
- Eid prayer
- Distributing meat to the needy
Islamic New Year – 16 June 2026
Marks the beginning of the Hijri year 1448.
Muslims reflect on:
- The Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad
- Renewing spiritual intentions
Ashura – 25 June 2026
Observed on 10 Muharram.
Significance:
- Commemorates the salvation of Prophet Musa (AS)
- The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) in Karbala
Many Muslims fast on Ashura and the day before or after it.
Mawlid al-Nabi – 25 August 2026
Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Activities include:
- Milad gatherings
- Seerah lectures
- Recitation of naats and dhikr
FAQ – Islamic Holidays 2026
1. Why do Islamic dates change every year?
Islamic dates follow the lunar Hijri calendar, causing annual shifts of 10–12 days compared to the Gregorian solar calendar.
2. Will Ramadan 2026 last 29 or 30 days?
Ramadan duration depends on moon sighting, so it may be 29 or 30 days.
3. Are Islamic holidays the same worldwide?
Dates may vary by one day depending on local moon sighting announcements.
4. What are the holiest days in 2026?
- Laylat-ul-Qadr (March 17)
- Day of Arafah (May 26)
- Ashura (June 25)
Also Read- Ramadan 2026