Important Islamic Dates in 2026

The Hijri or Islamic calendar 2026 portrays a deeply devotional rubric of the year that guides the entire Ummah. This plays an ideal role in organizing religious events, Islamic celebrations, and duties to make sure that Muslims are well prepared. The count of this calendar begins from the year when the Holy Prophet PBUH experienced migration from one Holy city (Makkah) to another (Madinah). The start of this sacred calendar starts with the event of Miraj from 16th of January, 2026.

The name of this calendar is extracted from the Arabic word Hijrah or Hijrat. It is pious because it displays the most important dates and events that occur yearly. These Islamic months on the calendar carry religious insights and blessings. There are some months that are sacred because of the events that occurred during it while others are sacred because of the practices like fasting and charity that we perform during them. 

Important Islamic Dates and Events in 2026: An Explanation to the Hijri Calendar

By keeping a track on Islamic calendar, Muslims all around the world can actively participate in the shared religious practices like Eid, Sacrifice, and fasting. These Islamic dates help you experience the cultural and religious acts that connect you despite the difference of culture, language, and borders. The Islamic that we are about to discuss are very important and performed worldwide. 

Isra & Mi’raj – January 16, 2026

This Islamic event refers to the 27th of Rajab, which is mainly admired by Muslims as the event of miraculous ascension of PBUH with Allah’s command. This event highlights the great night when PBUH explored seven heavens and received information regarding the essential 5 prayers. This historical event of Islam symbolises the importance of Salah. These prayers are no less than an honor bestowed upon mankind. 

Night of Barat (Laylat al-Bara’ah) – February 3rd 2026 

This highly sacred event is also known as the night of forgiveness, when Muslims ask and Creator bestows. He forgives those who ask for it with sincere intentions. It is claimed that during this pious event the destinies like rizq, life, and death are written and recorded by the angels in Lawh al-Mahfuz. 

Rituals or practices that can be included during this sacred event 

• Performing (Salat al-Layl) 
• Reciting Surah Yasin and other meaningful readings 
• Fasting during the day (Not obligatory) 
• Seeking forgiveness and reciting
• Performing charity and other good acts that can be beneficial for needy people. 

Ramadan: The Month of Fasting and Good Deeds – 18 February, 2026 

Another sacred month of the Islamic calendar for Muslims in which they can earn unlimited blessings and rewards. During this beautiful month of mercy and forgiveness, Ummah learns the actual meaning of patience and sufferings. People grab an idea of how needy and poor people survive without a fixed asset of food. Although it is not just about restricting yourself from food and drinking but mainly about learning the actual meaning of self-control, blessings of Allah, and importance of Salah. Make sure to offer Taraweeh prayers after Isha (not obligatory) but offer unlimited rewards and blessings. 

The main purpose behind this Holy month,

• To cultivate taqwa 
• To develop patience, empathy, and discipline
• Increase Quranic study and reflection
• Increase charity and shared worship

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) – March 15, 2026

It is believed that this holy night appears during the last ten days of Ramadan from 21st till 29th. In Surah Al-Qadr, this sacred night is better than a thousand months.

This night of power holds the most religious revelation to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It is suggested to perform sincere worship with tahajjud and Witrs. Muslims must also indulge themselves in reciting and understanding the Holy book, Quran. Ask forgiveness for the previous attempted sins and make sure not to perform any sin intentionally. If you are awake at night and are offering prayers with sincere purpose this can lead to the forgiveness of sins. 

Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shawwal) – March 20, 2026

After the meaningful month of fasting comes this event which is also termed as festival of breaking the fast, people often cook sweet dishes to celebrate this religious festival. It also symbolises as a gift or reward from the Almighty, for the sincere worship and patience one showed in the previous month. 

The most Blessed Sacred Act of Worship: – Hajj May 25, 2026

This sacred journey starts with offering sincere intentions and entering the state of Ihram. Performing this religious act is no less than a mercy and blessing. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah which is the most sacred day of this holy obligation, muslims spend their entire day engaged in prayers and worship. Hajj 2026 is going to be more convenient and comfortable because of its shift towards the cooler season. If you are planning to perform Hajj practice in the upcoming year of 2026 then make sure to grab a rough idea about the dates and days of 2026 Hajj. 

Key Rituals 

• Entering into Ihram at Miqat
• Day of Tarwiyah (8 Dhul Hijjah)
• Wuquf at Arafat (9 Dhul Hijjah)
• Muzdalifah Night (After Arafat)
• Staying in Mina (10–13 Dhul Hijjah)
• Stoning the Jamarat (Pillars of Satan)
• Begins with Jamrat al-Aqabah on the 10th Dhul Hijjah.
• Qurbani (Sacrifice) 
• Eid-al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447)
• Tawaf al-Ifadah (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
• Considered the core Tawaf of Hajj.
• Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida’)

Islamic New Year (1st Muharram – May 27, 2026)

It highlights the starting of the new islamic year following the Lunar cycle. This sacred month involves the migration period of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from one Holy city to another. It was later on marked as the pin point of the Islamic calendar by Prophet Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).

Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) – June 25, 2026

The first month of the Islamic calendar, a day with deep history and events.

• Prophet Musa and his companions were saved from Pharaoh as Almighty parted the Red Sea
• Fast on Ashura
• 9th and 10th of Muharram (Fast)
• A time to offer prayers, get back to salah and remember the incidents that happened during this sacred month. 

Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) – August 25, 2026

• Celebrated on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal
• The birth of Prophet Muhammad PBUH
• Many communities hold gatherings (Milad functions) 
• Some people decorate mosques, give lectures
• Distribute food or sweets.

Ending Notes

It is important to perform acts of charity and good deeds during these islamic dates and events to make sure that you have earned rewards for your sincerity and clean purpose. 

FAQs 

Why do Islamic dates change every year?
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and as a result, Islamic months and events shift earlier each year relative to the Western calendar.

Are all Islamic dates observed the same way worldwide?
While the core significance of Islamic events remains the same, cultural practices, local traditions, and methods of moon-sighting can cause slight changes. 

How can I keep track of Islamic dates in 2026?
You can use a Hijri calendar app, check with your local mosque, or refer to online Islamic calendars and moon-sighting updates.