hajj

What Is Hajj? 16 Activities to Teach Kids About Hajj

what is hajj? 16 Activities to teach your kids about Hajj

Eid al-Adha is almost here! We can use this special time to teach our kids what Hajj is and why it is so wonderful. Use these activities to not only teach your kids about this amazing journey, but to create meaningful memories and experiences. 

We can sometimes feel like our time for worship is diminished when we are doing chores or taking care of the kids. However, teaching them about Hajj can be filled with rewards when done with the right intention.

What is Hajj? 16 Activities to teach kids about HAjj

What is Hajj?

Abu Hurairah narrated that he heard Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) say:

“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will return [free from sins] as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Al-Bukhari)

Hajj is one of the five basic pillars of Islam, and it happens once every year during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims from all over the world make their way to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Each Muslim must make this journey at least once in their lifetime, if they are able. Therefore, 10 days of this special month are celebrated by Muslims around the world in recognition of those performing Hajj.

However, just because you’re not making the blessed journey yourself, doesn’t mean you and your family can’t honour the pilgrimage at home.

Try these Hajj-themed activities to teach your kids what Hajj is and why it is so special. 

Sensory Activities

Hajj Sensory Bins 

These sensory bins from The Muslimah Guide are easy to make and fun to explore. Find stones to throw at the jamaraat with the Muzdalifah bin, pour water using the Zam Zam bin, and use the Safa’ and Marwah bin to tell your kids the story of baby Ismail.

Finger print painting

This activity designed by Muslim Kid Genius will show the wonderful diversity which exists within the tawaf ritual. Little ones will love getting their fingers in some paint! As a result, you can teach them about the unity of Muslims from all backgrounds walking around the Kabah together. 

Papier mâché kabah 

What is Hajj? 16 Activities to teach your kids about HAjj
Image Credit: https://imanbendjedidi.wordpress.com

What is a Hajj lesson without a Kabah activity? Using teamwork and the many cardboard boxes we save “just in case”, build your very own Kabah using this papier mâché method. You could use this Kabah for the tawaf ritual during the role play activity below. Scroll down for details!

Mixed media Picture 

Mixed media pictures are wonderfully fun to make, because you can literally use anything to fill your picture with texture. Little ones will particularly enjoy this activity, and even your older kids will be pretty impressed with the results. Check out this amazing picture from A Muslim Child is Born.

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Quiet Time Activities

Hajj ritual display

What is Hajj? 16 Activities to teach kids about Hajj
Image Credit: muslimlearninggarden.wordpress.com

Use items from around your house to set up a Hajj ritual display like this one from Garden of Knowledge. This is a great way to help your kids visualise the various rituals for the 5 days of Hajj. For kids who love Lego, set them a challenge to set up their very own Hajj Lego diorama like this one from Muslim Learning Garden. 

Transportation colouring sheets 

Discuss with your little ones the various ways someone can travel to Makkah. Explain how the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions travelled from Madinah to Makkah before we had planes and cars! Your kids can use various art supplies such as pastels, paints, and collage materials to make these transportation colouring pages fun and creative! 

Tracing pages 

Train those fine motor skills by giving younger kids these tracing pages from Muslim Learning Garden. You can discuss tawaf, pelting stones at the jamaraat, the tents in Mina and even the run between Mounts Safa’ and Marwah.

Reading time

An activity as effective as it is timeless, reading will always be a joy for your kids when you get involved. There are so many kids’ books online which cover the Hajj pilgrimage in a fun and beautiful way. 

Related: The 9 Best Children’s Books about Hajj

Get Crafty Activities

What is Hajj? 16 Activities to teach your kids about Hajj
Image Credit: acraftarab.com

Make an old Hajj map

Give old treasure maps a creative spin and talk to your kids about the different locations which are so important to the Hajj pilgrimage. Plus, you could use these maps in the role play activity below! Scroll down for details.

Kabah paperclip bookmark 

This activity from A Crafty Arab is brilliant because not only can your kids have a lot of fun making these paperclip bookmarks, they will make wonderful little Eid gifts from your kids to other family members. 

Mosaic art 

Teach your kids the wonders of mosaic art as they learn the patience and perseverance it takes to make something truly amazing! These Hajj-themed pictures will make great gifts. Plus, what child doesn’t like getting glue on their fingers?

Foam pilgrims

What is Hajj? 16 Activities that teach your kids about Hajj
Image Credit: helloholydays.com

Teach your kids about ihram (the garment pilgrims wear on Hajj) by making these amazing foam pilgrims from Hello Holy Days. Your kids could use them as props for role play or when using their Hajj displays from the activity above. 

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Group Activities

Role play

Get the whole family involved and role play the rituals of Hajj, just like this post from Multicultural Motherhood. This can be done inside or outside. If you’re inside, use a different room for each location. Use your maps and your papier mâché Kabah from the activities above!

Sheep cupcakes 

What is Hajj? 16 Activities to teach your about Hajj
Image Credit: landolakes.com

Make some delicious cupcakes for Eid al-Adha. These sheep cupcakes will be lots of fun to make and the whole family can join in and decorate them. Try using some gummy sweets from the Halal Sweets Company, and don’t forget to stock up on Halal marshmallows. 

STEM Day 

Using these 4 challenges from The Muslimah Guide, let your older kids put their engineering skills to work. Using these challenges as a guide, you can have a Hajj-themed building competition. Complete with prizes, of course!

Family Quiz 

It’s time to put all your Hajj knowledge to the test – as a family. Host a Family Quiz Night using these questions from Education Quizzes. Switch up the fun by letting your kids hold the question cards and test YOUR knowledge!

Related: 7 Delightful Children’s Books about Eid

Islamic Studies for kids

Have fun!

The most important aspect of this special time is to have fun with your kids. Use these activities to create positive associations with Islamic learning and bond at the same time.

If you try any of these activities with your kids, make sure you take a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #ourmuslimhomeschool so I can see it!

For more resources and activities, check out the Our Muslim Homeschool Free Resources Library. It has hundreds of Educational resources to teach children about Islam, including Hajj!

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Islamic Studies for Kids: The 9 Best Children’s Books about Hajj

Islamic Studies for Kids | 9 best children's books about Hajj

One of the most effective ways to teach our kids Islamic studies, is by using excellent children’s books. 

Over the past decade, I’ve collected a small library of Islamic books for kids. I know what makes a good children’s book, and what makes an excellent one!

Islamic Studies for Kids: The 9 Best Children’s Books about Hajj

This blogpost contains affiliate links. See Disclaimer for more information.

Seriously, when it comes to Islamic Studies, you cannot be too particular about which books you use with your children.

If you’re looking to teach your children more about Hajj, then read on friend! 

In this blogpost, I’ll be sharing with you my favourites kid’s books about Hajj; books that inspire wonder and awe, whilst also informing the mind and heart. 

I know…I expect a lot from my books!

Here are my recommendations!

The 9 Best Children’s Books About Hajj

Islamic Studies for Kids: The 9 Best Children’s Books about Hajj

For Children Under 5

Two Pigeons on a Pilgrimage

This is the story of two pigeons, as they witness the rites of Hajj! Illustrated by a very talented 12 year-old girl, this rhyming story even includes some fun matching games.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

I Am Hajj

A Poem picture book to help your youngest children understand the rituals performed at Hajj

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

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Children Aged 5-9

Makkah and Madinah Activity Book

This fun sticker activity book is packed with dot-to-dot drawings, colouring pages, puzzles to solve, and loads of stickers, to help your children explore the sacred sites of Makkah and Madinah.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

Related: 7 Delightful Books about Eid

Yans Hajj

This touching book follows Yan, a humble man desperate to go for Hajj. Despite all the trials he faces, he never gives up. A truly beautiful book!

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

An Ocean in One Drop

This is retelling of Hajar in the desert, and her struggle to find water for her baby son, Ismael (as). Beautifully written, with spectacular illustrations, this is a book your family will treasure.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

The Road to Hajj Activity Book

This beautifully printed activity book will capture the imagination of your children! Its brimming with all kinds of fun activities, colourful illustrations and fascinating facts to teach your children about the amazing journey of Hajj. They’ll love it!

Buy HERE: UK | USA

Islamic Studies for Kids: The 9 Best Children’s Books about Hajj

Elif and Emre Learning Our Religion

This is the heart-felt tale of Elif and Emre, and their experience performing Hajj with their family.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

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Going to Mecca

This stunning book, captures the emotions and the feelings Hajj brings. A great book for people of all faiths wanting to learn more about Hajj.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

Children Aged 10+

Young adventures in Makkah

This unique book, follows a young family on their trip to Makkah. In addition to the usual important sites, it also shows you where many other sites of Islamic historical significance can be found; including the house of Khadijah (ra) and what it looked like inside.

It tells you about the birth place of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and how to find it! More than half of the book is dedicated to sites around Mecca that hold an importance with the Seerah and our Islamic heritage.

One NOT to be missed!

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

Related: Full Review of Young Explorers’ Adventures in Makkah HERE!

Tell Me About Hajj

If your kids like facts and information, this is the book for you!

This book is presented in a simple and informative style, with beautiful illustrations and colour photographs.

Buy HERE: Amazon UK | Amazon USA

Islamic Studies for kids

Do you have a favourite children’s books about Hajj? Let us know in the comments below!

Peace and Love,

Islamic studies for kids
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