The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are here, and for Muslims across Qatar, this is one of the most spiritually rewarding times of the entire year. The blessed period runs from Monday, May 18 to Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with Eid Al Adha falling on the final day.
If you have been wondering when the Takbeer begins, what to recite, and how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended spending these days, here is everything you need to know.
When do the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 begin in Qatar?
The Qatar Calendar House confirmed that Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH started on Monday, May 18, 2026, based on astronomical calculations. The 10 days fall as follows:
- 1st of Dhul Hijjah: Monday, May 18, 2026
- 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Arafah Day): Tuesday, May 26, 2026
- 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid Al Adha): Wednesday, May 27, 2026
These are considered the most beloved days for worship in the Islamic year, with every good deed multiplied in reward.
When does the Takbeer for Eid Al Adha 2026 begin?
The Takbeer is recommended from the first day of Dhul Hijjah, Monday, May 18, and continues until the end of the days of Tashreeq on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (Saturday, May 30, 2026).
There are two types of Takbeer that scholars distinguish between:
Mutlaq (unrestricted) Takbeer: Recited at any time throughout the 10 days, from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until sunset on the 13th. You can say it walking, driving, at home, or in the market.
Muqayyad (restricted) Takbeer: Recited specifically after the five daily prayers, starting from Fajr on Arafah Day (Tuesday, May 26) and continuing until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
In Doha, you will hear the Takbeer flowing from mosques across the city throughout these days, especially in the lead-up to Eid prayers.
The authentic wording of the Takbeer
According to Dar Al Ifta, the recommended wording of the Takbeer is:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd. Allahu Akbar kabeera, walhamdulillahi katheera, wa subhan Allahi bukratan wa aseela.”
In English:
“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise. Allah is the Greatest in greatness, and praise to Allah in abundance, and glory to Allah morning and evening.”
Many families in Qatar gather to recite it together, which the Grand Mufti has described as a beautiful way to revive a Sunnah and cooperate in righteousness.
The Prophet’s guidance for the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said no good deeds are more beloved to Allah than those done in these 10 days. Here are the recommended practices:
Fasting: Fasting any of the first nine days is highly recommended. Fasting on Arafah Day (Tuesday, May 26) is the most virtuous, as it is said to expiate the sins of the previous year and the year to come.
Dhikr and Takbeer: Increasing remembrance of Allah, including Tasbeeh (Subhan Allah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah).
Qur’an recitation: Setting aside dedicated time daily to read and reflect on the Qur’an.
Charity and giving: Sadaqah carries multiplied reward during these days. Many residents in Qatar donate through trusted local charities or contribute toward Qurbani.
Performing Qurbani: The sacrifice on Eid Al Adha, with the meat traditionally divided into three portions: family, relatives and friends, and those in need.
How Doha observes the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
Mosques across Qatar fill with worshippers for additional prayers, and you will notice the Takbeer being recited loudly after each obligatory prayer from Arafah Day onwards. Families plan Iftar gatherings around fasting days, and charity drives ramp up in the lead-up to Eid.
For more on the long weekend ahead, read our full guide to Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar and things to do in Doha during the Eid break.
FAQs about the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 in Qatar
When do the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2026 start in Qatar? The 10 days began on Monday, May 18, 2026, and end on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
When does the Takbeer for Eid Al Adha 2026 begin? The unrestricted (Mutlaq) Takbeer begins from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, Monday, May 18. The restricted (Muqayyad) Takbeer begins after Fajr prayer on Arafah Day, Tuesday, May 26.
Is it Sunnah to fast on Arafah Day 2026? Yes. Fasting on Arafah Day, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj.
What is the correct wording of the Takbeer? “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd,” followed by praise of Allah, as published by Dar Al Ifta.
When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Qatar? Eid Al Adha falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
