What is Hajj? How do I explain it to my child simply?

Question

Bloomtivo Academy · Accepted Answer

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam. Every adult Muslim who is healthy and can afford it must go once in their life. It happens in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and Eid al-Adha is celebrated at its end. Pilgrims follow the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma‘il. The basicsQuestionAnswerWhat?A journey to Makkah to worship AllahWho?Adult Muslims who are able, once in a lifetimeWhen?8th–13th of Dhul-HijjahWhy?Allah commands it (Quran 3:97); it is a pillar of Islam (Sahih al-Bukhari 8)Main steps (simplified)Ihram: simple white clothes for men, modest clothes for women; everyone equal.Tawaf: walking seven times around the Ka‘bah.Sa‘i: walking between Safa and Marwah, like Hajar searching for water for baby Isma‘il.‘Arafah: standing in prayer and dua – the most important day.Muzdalifah and Mina: stoning the pillars, remembering how Ibrahim rejected Shaytan.Eid al-Adha: the sacrifice and celebration.Teacher’s tip: Act out Sa‘i at home: put two cushions at each end of the room and walk seven times while telling Hajar’s story.Related: Eid al-Adha and qurbani.

Question	Answer
What?	A journey to Makkah to worship Allah
Who?	Adult Muslims who are able, once in a lifetime
When?	8th–13th of Dhul-Hijjah
Why?	Allah commands it (Quran 3:97); it is a pillar of Islam (Sahih al-Bukhari 8)

What is Hajj? How do I explain it to my child simply?

The basics

Main steps (simplified)

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