With Dhul-Hijjah around the corner (already!), I’ve put this post together for some child-friendly and meaningful activities. Friends of mine have expressed that they’re not sure how to navigate the story of Ibrahim’s (as) sacrifice and what to focus on for Eid al-Adha. There is so much to potentially look at with this month that it can be overwhelming… where do you start? Should one focus on the rituals of the Hajj? Or the story of Hajar (ra)? Or the history of how and why Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) built the Kaaba? Surely we cannot ignore the sacrificial element of Eid al-Adha as it is a core element of this celebration… but how do we explain the story such that it is not confusing for children? There are a plethora of books and resources to take advantage of to help solve these conundrums.
Here are some that we’ve enjoyed and found useful over the years…
Mamanushka Storytime: Why did Allah ask Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son?
I love everything these girls do on the Mamanushka blog, but their story time series for children is particularly lovely, helpful and relevant here. Their story on Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) breaks a complex story down in a child friendly way and gives plenty of room to open up discussions between parent and child.
Have a scroll through her incredible account to find the various takes she has on what to teach the kids during this month. In the past she has looked at the journey to Hajj, the Arabian desert in the context of Hajar’s (as) story and this year she is looking at Islamic textiles around the world and focusing ultimately on the Kiswah (covering) of the Kaaba. I just love the perceptive and creative way she has of teaching her children! Masha’Allah.
Another great Instagram account by homeschooling mama, Hafsa. She has some great ideas on how to explore Hajj with children. I like that she shares her planning for the month as well.
We used this lovely activity pack last year during Dhul-Hijjah, and we incorporated it in our Saints and Heroes block. It has a range of activities to suit different ages. They are fun, beautiful and informative all at the same time. I particularly love the little story booklets in this pack as well.
Hana always creates the most incredible Steiner/Islamic curriculum and this year she is offering a full Hajj curriculum. Look at those incredible drawings! You can find it here. This bundle includes videos, lesson plans, resources, watercolour paintings and illustrations.
You can purchase the entire series of their “Ghazali for children” on their site, but this month they are also offering “The Secret of Hajj” audiobook story series, flipbook and activity book free as well. You can access it here.
Books
We are so lucky to have a plethora of beautiful books for Muslim children. Here are some of our favourites related to Dhul HIjjah/ Eid al-Adha…
An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj
My First book of Islamic months
In’sha’Allah I also plan to share some of the activities that we’ll do as a family in the next two weeks for Dhul Hijjah and Eid, here on the blog and on Instagram.
*Featured image is from our Dhul Hijjah seasonal display from last year with handmade pilgrim peg dolls, a felt Ka’aba model, the Grimm’s celebration ring, some golden wattle in season and the very special box containing a remnant of the Kiswah.
Oh Saltanat, I give thanks to you dear sister for the sweet mention and this round up is an excellent resource to families 🖤