Dhul Hijjah 2026
Turn your worship into life-saving impact
At Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), this sacred time is also one of the most critical periods to deliver.
SAMS can provide emergency care to a family for one week to vulnerable communities across Syria, Gaza, and beyond — powered by the generosity of supporters during Dhul Hijjah.
In this page you will find:
In This Page
You Will Find:
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Making the Most of Dhul Hijjah 2026 with SAMS
Impact Amounts This Dhul Hijjah 2026
Dhul Hijjah is a time of reflection — but also a time of action.
Every act of charity during these days has the potential to change lives.
By supporting SAMS, your giving becomes more than a donation — it becomes medical care, hope, and survival for communities facing unimaginable challenges.
Turn Your Worship Into Impact
Dhull Hijjah 2026 is expected to begin on Monday May 18 - Prepare yourself for the month of pilgrimage
1. Increase dhikr and takbeer
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are strongly associated with increased remembrance of Allah. This includes regular dhikr formulas, takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and tahleel (La ilaha illallah).
2. Fast during the first days — especially Arafah
Even fasting a single day in this period carries significant reward. If you can only choose one, prioritise the Day of Arafah: Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
3. Giving charity
Sadaqah and Qurbani-related giving are central to this period. For many Muslims, Dhul Hijjah is when they make their most intentional charitable contributions of the year.
Your donation through SAMS helps provide: Emergency medical care, life-saving treatments and support for vulnerable families in crisis.
4. Prepare for Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026 is an opportunity to plan the Qurbani, organise Eid prayer, and celebrate with family and community. Preparation — both practical and spiritual — should begin in the days leading up to it.
Plan your Qurbani and ensure your giving reaches those most in need.
5. Follow your local moon-sighting announcement
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the confirmed start date of Dhul Hijjah depends on the actual sighting of the moon. Estimated dates are a useful planning guide, but the confirmed date from your local mosque or Islamic authority is what matters in practice.
These days are limited — but their impact can last far beyond them.
6. See Your Impact in Action
SAMS is rebuilding Syria’s healthcare system, combining lifesaving care with long-term investments in hospitals, medical staff, and health infrastructure.
Thanks to You
Your donations helped millions of people in Syria and all over the world in 2025.
3M+ essential services delivered
1M+ people in need
65,000+ surgeries
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Everything You Need to Know About Dhul Hijjah
What Is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th month of the Hijri (Islamic lunar) calendar. The name means ‘the month of pilgrimage’, which reflects its primary significance: it is the month in which Hajj — one of the five pillars of Islam — takes place.
It is also one of the four sacred months in Islam (alongside Muharram, Rajab, and Dhul Qi’dah), which gives it an elevated spiritual status above ordinary months.
The themes that define Dhul Hijjah are:
- Submission and devotion to Allah
- Sacrifice — physical, spiritual, and financial
- Gratitude and remembrance (dhikr)
- Charity and generosity
- Renewal of intention and purpose
For many, this is the moment in the year to give with intention — knowing that their charity can directly support families facing crisis, displacement, and lack of access to healthcare.
Why Is Dhul Hijjah Important?
Dhul Hijjah is not only about history — it is about action.
While it commemorates the rites of Hajj and the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), it also offers a powerful opportunity to support those in urgent need.
Across conflict-affected regions, millions still lack access to essential medical care. Through SAMS, donations made during Dhul Hijjah help:
- Provide emergency and critical healthcare
- Support hospitals and medical missions
- Deliver life-saving treatment to vulnerable communities
This transforms acts of worship into tangible impact — saving lives when it matters most.
When Does Dhul Hijjah Start in 2026?
In 2026, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18. The exact start depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon and may vary by one day depending on location and local religious authority.
Dhul Hijjah 2026 Day by Day Overview
First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
The ‘ten days of Dhul Hijjah’ refers to the first ten days of the month, beginning on 1 Dhul Hijjah and culminating with Eid al-Adha on the 10th. In 2026, these days are expected to run from May 18 to May 27 .
These days stand apart because they compress the greatest acts of worship into one short window: fasting, dhikr, charity, du’a, and — for pilgrims — the full rites of Hajj.
Day-by-day overview
- Days 1–8 (May 18–25): Dhul Hijjah begins. A focused period of increased worship, fasting, and remembrance for all Muslims. Hajj rites begin for pilgrims.
- Day 9 (May 26 ): The Day of Arafah. The most significant day of the Islamic year. Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah. For non-pilgrims, this is the most recommended day to fast.
- Day 10 (May 27 ): Eid al-Adha. The Festival of Sacrifice. The day begins with Eid prayer, followed by Qurbani (sacrifice). This is a day of celebration — fasting is not permitted.
For many supporters, these days are when they choose to give their most meaningful donations — aligning spiritual reward with real-world impact.
The Day of Arafah — May 26 , 2026
The Day of Arafah is observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is considered one of the most spiritually powerful days of the entire year — not only of Dhul Hijjah.
For pilgrims, standing at the plain of Arafah is the central pillar of Hajj. For those not performing the pilgrimage, the primary act associated with this day is fasting.
It is also a powerful moment to give — when acts of charity are multiplied and can reach those in urgent need of care.
Through SAMS, your support on this day can directly help deliver medical treatment to patients who otherwise would go without.
Eid al-Adha — May 27, 2026
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and marks the end of the first ten days. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah — and Allah’s mercy in providing a ram in his place.
The day typically includes:
- Eid prayer (ideally performed in congregation)
- Qurbani — the ritual sacrifice of an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel)
- Distributing the meat to family, neighbours, and those in need
- Celebration and time with family
Important: Fasting is prohibited on Eid al-Adha. This distinction is important for readers who may confuse the Day of Arafah (fasting recommended) with Eid al-Adha (fasting not permitted).
Fasting in Dhul Hijjah
Fasting is one of the most important acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah.
Which days are recommended for fasting?
Fasting is generally associated with the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah — May 26 , 2026) is particularly emphasised and carries the greatest reward for those not performing Hajj.
Can you fast all 10 days?
You can fast the first 9 days, but not the 10th. Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah) is a day of celebration on which fasting is prohibited in Islam.
Quick reference — fasting rules
Days 1–8: Recommended to fast any or all of the first 9 days.
Day 9 (Arafah, May 26 ): The most recommended single day for fasting in Dhul Hijjah
Day 10 (Eid, May 27 ): Fasting is prohibited — this is Eid al-Adha
A Sister’s Choice That Changed Everything
Eight-year-old Ghina received a cochlear implant in December 2025. In this powerful moment, a new world begins to open before her, one filled with sounds, words, and laughter she had never heard before.
But what moved us most happened before the surgery. When the doctor asked whether the operation should be for her or her younger brother Adnan, she answered without hesitation: “My brother.”
Adnan, 5, is still waiting for his turn. Because Ghina is the older sibling, the SAMS team performed her surgery first, with a promise that Adnan’s will follow soon.
At SAMS, we don’t just perform surgeries, we give children the chance to hear life for the first time.
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