Dhul Hijjah 1448 (2027): dates, Hajj, Arafah and Eid al-Adha

The short answer

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, and one of the four sacred months. It is the month of Hajj. Dhul Hijjah 1448 is expected to begin on 7 May 2027, with the Day of Arafah about 15 May and Eid al-Adha about 16 May 2027. The moon sighting in Kenya confirms the dates.

When is Dhul Hijjah 2027 in Kenya?

Dhul Hijjah 2027 is expected to begin on Friday 7 May 2027 and end about 5 June 2027. The Day of Arafah is expected about 15 May and Eid al-Adha about Sunday 16 May 2027.

Next occurrences of Dhul Hijjah (expected dates)
Month	Expected start	Expected end	Note
Dhul Hijjah 1448	Friday 7 May 2027	Saturday 5 June 2027	Expected in 2027
Dhul Hijjah 1449	About 26 April 2028	About 24 May 2028	Expected, less certain

The month starts when the new moon is sighted, so dates in Kenya can move by one day. Dates in 2028 are less certain. In Saudi Arabia Hajj follows the local sighting, which may differ from Kenya by a day. See the Islamic calendar 2027.

What is Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar?

Dhul Hijjah means "the one of the pilgrimage". It is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It follows Dhul Qadah and is followed by Muharram, the start of a new year.

It is one of the four sacred months (Qur’an 9:36), together with Dhul Qadah, Muharram and Rajab.

Why is Dhul Hijjah important?

Dhul Hijjah is important because Hajj takes place in it, and because its first ten days are among the best days of the year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that no good deeds in any other days are more loved by Allah than good deeds in these ten days.

Hajj. The pilgrimage to Makkah is the fifth pillar of Islam, required once in a lifetime of those who are able. See Hajj and Umrah.
Arafah. Standing at Arafah is the heart of Hajj.
Eid al-Adha. This festival remembers the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Sacred month. Good deeds are especially valued and wrongdoing is especially serious.

What events happen in Dhul Hijjah?

The main events are the first ten days, the Day of Arafah on the 9th, Eid al-Adha on the 10th and the days of Tashreeq (11 to 13).

Key days in Dhul Hijjah 2027 (expected)
Day	Expected date	What it is
1 to 9 Dhul Hijjah	7 to 15 May 2027	First days of the best ten days of the year
8 Dhul Hijjah	Friday 14 May 2027	Pilgrims go to Mina (Hajj begins)
9 Dhul Hijjah	About Saturday 15 May 2027	Day of Arafah. Fasting is recommended for those not on Hajj
10 Dhul Hijjah	About Sunday 16 May 2027	Eid al-Adha, Eid prayer and Qurbani
11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah	17 to 19 May 2027	Days of Tashreeq. Qurbani may still be offered

What can Muslims do in Dhul Hijjah?

Muslims who are not on Hajj can still gain much in these days by increasing worship and giving. Choose a few deeds you can keep up.

Fast the first nine days if you are able, especially the Day of Arafah. Fasting on Arafah is reported to wipe out the sins of the year before and the year after. It is not recommended for pilgrims standing at Arafah.
Say the takbir. Remember Allah often with phrases such as "Allahu akbar", "La ilaha illa Allah" and "Alhamdulillah".
Pray and read the Qur’an more than usual.
Give Sadaqah. Extra charity in these days is a good deed.
Offer Qurbani after the Eid prayer if you are able. Fasting is not allowed on Eid day itself.

According to a narration, a person who intends to offer Qurbani should not cut their hair or nails from the start of the month until the sacrifice. Scholars differ on whether this is required or recommended. Ask your local scholar or imam.

What happens during Hajj?

Hajj is a set of rites performed in and around Makkah in the first half of Dhul Hijjah. In short, pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, perform Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba), spend the 9th at Arafah, spend a night at Muzdalifah, and then perform the stoning at Mina, the sacrifice, and the final Tawaf.

The details differ a little between schools of thought. Pilgrims should learn them from a qualified guide before travelling.

What are the days of Tashreeq?

The days of Tashreeq are the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the days after Eid al-Adha. In 2027 they are expected on about 17, 18 and 19 May.

These are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah. Pilgrims stay in Mina and perform the stoning in these days. Others at home continue to say the takbir after the prayers and may offer Qurbani on these days according to many scholars. Fasting is normally not allowed on these days, with some exceptions. Schools of thought differ on the details, so ask your local scholar or imam.

How can I give charity in Dhul Hijjah with Islamic Relief Kenya?

You can give Sadaqah on the donation page or by M-Pesa. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386). Livestock keepers in northern Kenya know well how much a family depends on food and water.

Online. Give at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke by card or M-Pesa.
M-Pesa. Use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210. Type the fund name as the account.

For the rules of Qurbani, read Eid al-Adha and Qurbani. For giving in general, read Sadaqah in Islam.

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Frequently asked questions

When does Dhul Hijjah 2027 start?

Dhul Hijjah 1448 is expected to begin on Friday 7 May 2027 and end about 5 June 2027. The new moon sighting confirms the date, and it can shift by one day.

When is the Day of Arafah in 2027?

The Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is expected about Saturday 15 May 2027. Muslims not on Hajj are encouraged to fast on this day. The exact date depends on the moon sighting.

When is Eid al-Adha 2027?

Eid al-Adha, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, is expected about Sunday 16 May 2027. Qurbani can be offered after the Eid prayer, during 10 to 13 Dhul Hijjah. Moon sighting confirms the date.

What are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?

They are the first ten days of the month, from the 1st to the 10th. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that good deeds in these days are especially loved by Allah.

Is Dhul Hijjah a sacred month?

Yes. It is one of the four sacred months, with Dhul Qadah, Muharram and Rajab (Qur’an 9:36). It is also the month of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

Should I fast in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah?

Fasting is recommended in the first nine days, especially on Arafah, for those who are able. Fasting is not allowed on Eid day, the 10th. Ask a scholar about the days of Tashreeq.

Can I join Hajj from Kenya?

Hajj is required once in a lifetime of Muslims who are able, in health and means. Kenyans usually book through a licensed Hajj operator. Ask a scholar and a trusted guide about the steps.

How can I give charity in Dhul Hijjah?

Give Sadaqah in these days and offer Qurbani if you are able. In Kenya you can give on the Islamic Relief Kenya donation page or by M-Pesa PayBill 949210, using the fund name as the account.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026.