The anticipation of Ramadan came and left. The blessed month taught us many lessons, to center our lives around Allah SWT, Tawakkal in Allah SWT , Dua and its huge impact on our lives and of course the sweetness of the Qiyam.
And proclaim to the mankind the Hajj [pilgrimage]. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).
Quran (22:27)
by Iram Shaukat | Edited and revised by Eaman Elhadri
Dhul Hijjah 1441
We are now in Shawaal and Inshallah Dhul Qaidah will be arriving right around the corner. The excitement of going to Hajj, if we were not in covid crises, would have started to surface.
Normally we would be trying to apply for Hajj visas and attending local and online Hajj seminars. People learn about the Hajj Manasik and gather to hear stories from veteran Hajjis, giving everyone an iman boost.
Hajj 2020/1441
It will be a different kind of Dhul Hijjah this year for everyone around the world, just like a different kind of Ramadan. Children would still be home and taking online summer classes, or faith based classes to stay busy.
Pin This For Later!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please read my disclosure for more information
Urdu YouTube Video
Dhul Hijjah Pre-activity – Build Anticipation
Our children too anticipate Hajj conversations and Hajj centered activities around this time of the year. This is the time of remembering the legacy and duas of our beloved Prophet Ibrahim AS and his family.
The chants of SubhanAllah, wa Alhemdulilah, wa La-ilaha-il-Allah, wa-Allahu-Akbar are heard around the house, during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah.
We tune into live broadcasts to see Hujjaj from around the world, walking around the Ka’ba. Everyone dressed in white, moving in one direction, has a capturing effect on anyone watching it and not just the children.
10 Dhul Hijjah/Hajj tips and activities for middle and high school children
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 1 – Increase in Quranic Studies
Bringing Quran reflections into daily activities, is the best way to create a habit of Quran introspection. You can select the surahs you want to study during the month.
It will help cover a good understanding and bi ithnila, beautify their salah as they would be able to comprehend the message of Quran creating a more focused ibadah.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 2 – Enroll your older child in Islamic Studies Classes
There are plenty of online Islamic resources to learn from. We can choose which ones fit our family’s needs and get involved in the learning process.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 3 –Connect with the Seerah
Read aloud Seerah. A good and resourceful way to refresh your Islamic home library is to have books exchanged with family and friends.
This will give everyone something fresh to listen to or read from and bring alive new topics for conversations.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 4 – Make a Hajj Diorama
Let the creative minds get busy at work. Being more independent and able to articulate their ideas, the adolescents can have a lot of fun taking part in making a Hajj diorama project.
They can bring to life the story of Zamzam, or the time when Ismail AS was replaced with a ram. All of which are now a part of the Hajj Manasik.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 5 – Fasting the 9 days of Dhul Hijjah
And it was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’ and three days of each month – the first Monday and two Thursdays.”
Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 21829; Abu Dawood, 2437; classed as da’eef in Nasab al-Raayah, 2/180, but classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 6 – Learn about the importance of Yum-Ul-Arafah
It was narrated from Abu Qataadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah and he said: “It expiates for the past and coming years.”
Narrated by Muslim (1162)
It is a great and noble day, and a blessed day which is of great virtue. We should instill the habit of fasting on the day of Arafah in our families.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 7 – Increase in Dhikr
Try to incorporate more Dhikrr after a Fardh salaat, so that everyone intentionally and attentively gets the reward, inshallah.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 8 – Increase in kindness and charity
Majority of us will still be in our homes, the masajid are still opening in phases and the current situation all around the world is being monitored. Hence the situation if not exactly like Ramadan is pretty much the same.
In these circumstances be extra mindful of your family and actively participate in acts of kindness towards each other.
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 9 – Share the stories of Hajj with your children
If you have had the blessing of going to hajj yourself, then relive your hajj experiences with your children, make it a story time event.
Everyone loves a story. We have heard so many hajj stories over the years, of our parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbors, masjid community etc.
Sharing these stories will soften the hearts and raise Iman.
The power of stories is connection. The best connection is to our Islamic history, our Prophets, relating with their struggles and taking life lessons to live a conscious life of Taqwa and Tawakul. Ibarahim Alahysalam is Khalil Allah SWT.
I have taken Hajj pictures that you see above. Want them? Simply type your email in the box below!
Dhul Hijjah Activity # 10 – The celebration of Eid-Ul-Adha 2020
Getting prepared for Eid, a beautiful celebration with family, Inshallah. Making crafts, baking cookies, playing board games, whatever brings joy to your home and your children, be involved, enjoy the experience and make happy memories.
Frequently asked questions
How is teaching older children about Hajj/Dhul Hijjah different from teaching younger children?
Older children should learn about Hajj/Dhul Hijjah the same way an adult learns about it – through Islamic studies, courses, etc. Younger children need a hands-on approach to Hajj, such as The Happy Hajj Guide™, which will be ready for you any day now, inshAllah! Until then, read up on 10 Hajj Activities for young children!
The last thing you need to know about teaching Dhul Hijjah to big kids
We have been with our children at home for almost 4 months now. Our new daily routines and time schedules have become somewhat normal by now.
We all have survived the fearful, uncertain times and we are grateful to Allah Subhan Wa Tala for blessing us with another gift of Dhul Hijjah. Indeed, it is a time to be grateful and humble.
May Allah Subhan Wa Taala allow us the blessing of making Hajj next year with our families and accept it from us, Ameen.
Helpful Links
How To Teach Your Young Child About Hajj – The Happy Hajj Guide
Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling For Muslim Families