Answer
In this counseling answer:
•Describe Hajj to your class and explain about the diversity of Muslims around the world who come together and worship and identify reasons Muslims give for undertaking Hajj.
•Discuss Hajj by describing exactly how it is performed.
•Make a model of the Ka`bah. You can do it with a cubical cardboard box, some black paint, and a line of gold fringe material. If possible, get some dolls or action figures to demonstrate how Hajj is made.
•Tell your students what Muslims wear on Hajj and why. Also, get some of your students to model ihram, the clothing men wear during Hajj and `Umrah.
•Talk about what Muslims do at the Ka`bah.
•Explain how Hajj is different from a vacation trip.
As-salamu `aliakum,
Thank you, sister, for your question. It is admirable that you are actively trying to introduce Islam to your students.
As a Muslim teacher, you know that the purpose of Islamic education is not to cram the pupils’ heads with facts but to prepare them for a life of purity and sincerity, so try to be a good teacher through:
- Knowledge of the subject matter
- Wealth in internalized values and beliefs
- Ability to transfer knowledge
- Generation of students’ cooperation and confidence
Also, try to provide an environment that allows the students to realize what you want to explain and benefit from your lesson.
Prepare Your Materials
Prepare for the Hajj lesson very well, even though you may have learned about Hajj. Get children’s Islamic books or articles and read what they say about Hajj. This will help you understand what points to emphasize in your lesson.
You’ll need more than just a talk. You can get a Hajj video and pictures of Muslims at Hajj, posters, maps, Web sites, book extracts, video material for instance.
Cover These Points
The five pillars of Islam and where Hajj fits into the five. The Hajj is a once-in a-lifetime obligation for those Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. It is also a form of worship that involves the entire being: body, mind, and soul.
The story of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the sacrifice he was asked to make by Allah.
Describe Hajj to your class and explain about the diversity of Muslims around the world who come together and worship and identify reasons Muslims give for undertaking Hajj.
Check out this counseling video
1. Discuss Hajj by describing exactly how it is performed. Make a model of the Ka`bah. You can do it with a cubical cardboard box, some black paint, and a line of gold fringe material. If possible, get some dolls or action figures to demonstrate how Hajj is made.
2. Tell you students what Muslims wear on Hajj and why. Also, get some of your students to model ihram, the clothing men wear during Hajj and `Umrah.
3. Talk about the Talbiyah (what the pilgrims recite during Hajj) and recitre together the Takbir of `Eid.
4. In addition to talking about how Hajj is performed, you can give details about the Ka`bah’s construction and its reparations.
5. Talk about what Muslims do at the Ka`bah.
6. Explain how Hajj is different from a vacation trip.
7. Explain what Muslims do at Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Mina.
Encourage the students to reflect on the idea that Muslims travel with hope that the experience will change them, that is, that they will come back spiritually more developed by the experience.
Discuss with your students the idea that, for many people, a religious life involves the sense of being engaged in a quest to develop as fully as they can.
Invite groups of pupils to explain or act out how a person may return from a Hajj and feel transformed by the experience.
Then after you are sure that the idea of Hajj is clear to the students, have them work in groups of three with a brief research assignment.
Students may access a variety of resources you have such as the photos, maps, stories, video material, etc., in order to find answers to the following:
•Locate on a map the places of Hajj in and around Makkah.
•Who should go on Hajj and when?
•What do Muslims wear when on Hajj to Makkah and why?
•Where is the Ka`bah? What does it look like and who built it?
•What do pilgrims do when they first arrive at the Ka`bah in Makkah and why?
•What do pilgrims do when they go to Arafat and why?
Invite each group to report back its findings. Encourage pupils to identify any additional questions or comments that occur to them on hearing the others’ reports. Ask the students to share their responses.
We hope our answer is of benefit to you. May Allah guide and reward you for your efforts.
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
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