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?
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 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.
Quiet Time Activities
Hajj ritual display
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
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
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.
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
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
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!
