We immerse ourselves in ibadah during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, it is equally important to help our children understand the importance of these days.  We explore different aspects of Ramadan with our kids, we satisfy their thirst for knowledge and help them offer salah and Quran. We answer their questions, and patiently respond to their cries for food as we teach them fasting. The list is endless. 

Children may or may not understand the importance of the rituals that take place during the most blessed journey of a Muslim’s life. As the days of Hajj dawn upon us, we share 7 ways to help you and your child bond over the love of Allah and learn about an important pillar of Islam – Hajj. 

1. The Importance of Hajj

Hajj is fard, obligatory upon every Muslim and Muslimah at least once in their life, if and when they are capable of doing so. Discuss the significance of Hajj and Umrah, the differences, and how Umrah can be performed anytime during the year and innumerable times; however, it cannot be substituted for Hajj.

2. The Importance of Qurban and Eid Al Adha

Share stories of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail’s faith and acceptance of Allah’s command that lead to the ritual of an animal sacrifice, consequently Eid Al Adha. Muslims sacrifice animals all around the world to honor the prophets who despite trials and hardships passed Allah’s test of obedience.

3. The Talbiyah

Tune into any Hajj documentary or go on the live feed of Makkah, and listen to the prayer that all Muslims recite in unison.

4. Stories and Books

Learning through illustrations, stories, and personal anecdotes from family members is a great way to incite interest among young ones to imagine what this sacred Hajj journey feels like. Muslim writers from across the globe are writing beautiful stories for children.

A few books that are quite popular among young Muslim readers are listed below:

•  Two Pigeons On A Pilgrimage: A Hajj Story 
•  An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj
• The Green Dinosaur Umbrella
• The Young Explorers’ Adventures in Makkah
• Yan’s Hajj: The Journey of a Lifetime
• Noor Kids Go To Hajj

5. Documentaries

A lived and shared experience can be drastically different. However, imagination is always enhanced through imagery. No matter what the subject, children always love a great story! Pique your child’s interest and invite them to learn about our sacred journey. Explore Hajj-related documentaries on Islamic streaming video platforms such as Qalbox. For example:

and many more. They can be a great starting point leading to quality conversations

6. Activities

Children love when adults involve themselves and help them answer their questions. Other than role-playing and learning from madrasah or the internet, create worksheets and crafts with your children. Pinterest is a great platform to find ready printables or ideas for children of all ages and enhance their understanding of Hajj. 

7. Role play

Make-belief playtime enhances the child’s ability to explore, imagine and respond to situations that they are yet to experience in real life. Spend some time and create a Hajj experience for your family. Some tips are as follows:

1. Create a map of the Hajj journey
2.  Replicas of the ihram clothing
3. Make a Kaaba out of toys or any other household materials available to you
4. Perform the tawaaf and recite the Talbiyah together
5. Walk back and forth and talk about the Saai between Safa and Marwah
6. Create a space and walk to Mina
7. Make a list of all the duas, climb to higher ground around your house or outdoors and share about Mount Arafah and the importance of making dua all day
8. Decorate your surroundings with neon stars and share about the overnight stay at Muzdalifah
9. Prepare a basket and use aluminium foil, cotton balls or paper-mache as pebbles for the stoning of the devil at jamrat
10. Sharing about the ritual of Qurban
11. The farewell Tawaaf

    Inshallah, your kids will learn and yearn to make the journey towards the house of Allah

Stream a rich library of travel content and Hajj documentaries through Qalbox and explore our world! Experience content that celebrates diverse Muslim identities and cultures with our brand new global video streaming service.