2026 Hijri Calendar: Major Islamic Festivals, Ramadan & Eid Dates -The Islamic Calendar 2026, also known as the Hijri Calendar, plays a central role in the spiritual, religious, and cultural life of Muslims around the world. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is purely lunar, consisting of 12 lunar months based on the sighting of the moon. As a result, Islamic dates move approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
This detailed guide presents the Islamic calendar for 2026 in English (Gregorian) format, covering:
Major Islamic festivals and holy days
Important Islamic nights (Laylat)
Hijri months and their significance
Month-wise breakdown from January to December 2026
Important note: Islamic dates are approximate and may vary by country depending on moon sighting.
Table of Contents
Toggle Understanding the Islamic (Hijri) CalendarThe Islamic calendar begins with the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. It consists of 12 lunar months, each lasting 29 or 30 days.
The four most sacred months in Islam are:
Muharram
Rajab
Dhul Qa’dah
Dhul Hijjah
Islamic worship such as Ramadan fasting, Hajj pilgrimage, and Eid celebrations are all determined by this lunar system.
January 2026 – Sacred BeginningsJanuary 2026 falls during the early part of the Islamic year.
Date (Approx.) Islamic Observance Significance January 1–2 12–13 Rajab 1447 AH Sacred month January 13 Isra and Mi’raj Night Journey of the Prophet January 30 Beginning of Sha’ban Preparation for RamadanIsra and Mi’raj commemorates the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heens.
February 2026 – Spiritual PreparationFebruary is a spiritually preparatory month before Ramadan.
Date (Approx.) Observance Significance February 13 Mid-Sha’ban (Shab-e-Barat) Night of forgiveness Late February End of Sha’ban Preparation for fastingShab-e-Barat is widely observed as a night of prayer, forgiveness, and remembrance of the deceased.
March 2026 – The Holy Month of RamadanRamadan is the most sacred month in Islam.
Date (Approx.) Observance Significance March 1 First day of Ramadan Start of fasting March 26 Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) Revelation of the QuranDuring Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayer, charity, and Quran recitation.
Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be better than a thousand months and falls during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
April 2026 – Eid al-Fitr and GratitudeApril marks the conclusion of Ramadan.
Date (Approx.) Islamic Holiday Significance April 1 Eid al-Fitr End of Ramadan April 2–3 Eid celebrations Charity and communityEid al-Fitr is a joyous festival marked by special prayers, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), family gatherings, and gratitude.
May 2026 – New Hijri Month and Reflection Date (Approx.) Observance Significance May 1 Beginning of Shawwal Continuation of Eid spirit Mid-May Fasting of six days of Shawwal Spiritual rewardFasting six days in Shawwal is considered equivalent to fasting the entire year when combined with Ramadan.
June 2026 – Sacred Months Begin Date (Approx.) Observance Significance June 9 Beginning of Dhul Qa’dah Sacred month June 19 Start of Dhul Hijjah Hajj monthDhul Qa’dah is one of the four sacred months in Islam, emphasizing peace and restraint.
July 2026 – Hajj and Eid al-AdhaJuly is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar.
Date (Approx.) Islamic Holiday Significance July 6 Day of Arafah Peak of Hajj July 7 Eid al-Adha Festival of Sacrifice July 8–10 Days of Tashreeq Remembrance of AllahEid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
August 2026 – Islamic New Year Date (Approx.) Observance Significance August 6 Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1448 AH) Beginning of new Hijri year August 15 Ashura Martyrdom of Imam HussainAshura is observed through fasting and remembrance, holding deep historical and spiritual meaning.
September 2026 – Reflection and RemembranceSeptember is marked by reflection on Islamic history and moral values.
Date (Approx.) Observance Significance September 3 End of Muharram Sacred observance Late September Safar continues Patience and endurance October 2026 – The Prophet’s Life and Teachings Date (Approx.) Observance Significance October 25 Mawlid an-Nabi Birth of Prophet MuhammadMawlid celebrates the Prophet’s life, teachings, and compassion through sermons and prayers.
November 2026 – Gratitude and BalanceNovember falls in the month of Rabi al-Thani.
Date (Approx.) Observance Significance Mid-November Continued Rabi al-Thani Learning and spiritual growthThis period emphasizes balance between worship and daily life.
December 2026 – Closing the Islamic Year Cycle Date (Approx.) Observance Significance December Jumada al-Awwal Reflection and patience End of December Jumada al-Thani Preparing for sacred months ahead Major Islamic Holidays Summary – 2026Isra and Mi’raj – January 13
Shab-e-Barat – February 13
Ramadan Begins – March 1
Laylat al-Qadr – March 26 (approx.)
Eid al-Fitr – April 1
Day of Arafah – July 6
Eid al-Adha – July 7
Islamic New Year – August 6
Ashura – August 15
Mawlid an-Nabi – October 25
Living by the Islamic CalendarThe Islamic Calendar 2026 offers a spiritual rhythm centered on devotion, discipline, charity, and remembrance of Allah. Each month invites Muslims to reflect on faith, history, and moral responsibility while strengthening community bonds.
By understanding the Hijri calendar alongside the Gregorian system, Muslims and non-Muslims alike can better appreciate the depth and beauty of Islamic traditions.
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