The calls of Hajj (Islamic Pilgrimage) could be heard echoing throughout the school gym on the morning of April 22nd. As the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches and in upcoming years will once again occur during the school year, the Academy and Islamic Studies department welcomed back a school tradition of hosting a Hajj simulation.
The ultimate rationale behind the event was to introduce elementary students to the concept of the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj in a fun and educational way.
In real life, Hajj occurs once a year in the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. It involves the travel of hundreds of thousands of Muslims around to world to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. From there, pilgrims set out on a 6 day journey to various locations of religious significance.
In order to re-enact the Hajj with as much accuracy as possible while making the event inclusive and fun for elementary students, replicas of different structures were created in a layout that would best match the route of actual Muslim pilgrims.
Planning for the Hajj simulation began several weeks prior to the event. As previously done, 10th grade was put in charge of not just assembling the various structures used for the simulation, but also guiding elementary students throughout the gym and explaining to them the religious significance of different parts of the Hajj ritual.
Ms.Eman Karzoum, the 10th grade Islamic Studies teacher remarked, “10th graders were the students to host the event. They did everything from A to Z…they did a wonderful job and I’m so proud of them”.
The simulation began at 8 A.M on Tuesday morning after setup had been concluded and the first batch of sophomore volunteers was ready. Elementary students arrived by grade level led by their teachers. Once inside of the gym, the students were guided by 10th grade volunteers to the different stations and structures part of the simulation.
After performing the designated ritual for each station, the students would stop by the final table near the exit doors to receive a bracelet and lollipop for their participation. Awed faces quickly transitioned to big smiles as the students departed.
A calm and positive environment could be felt throughout the gym during the event. Parents, teachers, and students alike enjoyed the value of the simulation for not just educating them, but providing them with a unique opportunity to come together.
Sophomore Omar Darkazally, an event volunteer, stated, “I felt like a lot of energy from the kids and I felt like they’re so enthusiastic towards like this whole thing, this Hajj simulation.”
Another sophomore volunteer, Ayoub Oulida, said, “I think it was really peaceful and calm in here, and all the students really enjoyed it…and I think it’s a really nice thing.”
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