Observing Dhul Hijjah with Children at Home and Thoughts on Palestine

As the first day of Dhul Hijjah dawns upon us, Muslims worldwide are preparing for this sacred month, which culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Adha. This period is especially meaningful, as it marks the Hajj season—a time of immense spiritual significance. While not everyone has the opportunity to perform Hajj or Umrah, there are numerous ways to observe Dhul Hijjah with our families, particularly with young children.

Teaching the Essence of Dhul Hijjah to Kids

Living in Malaysia, we welcomed the first day of Dhul Hijjah on Saturday. This final month of the Islamic calendar has arrived swiftly, following the spiritual rejuvenation of Ramadan. For those of us unable to perform Hajj this year, it’s important to find alternative ways to celebrate and impart the significance of this month to our children.

I start by sharing stories of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar, and baby Ismail with my kids. These tales of faith and perseverance are awe-inspiring. For instance, Hajar’s unwavering trust in Allah as she searched for sustenance in the desert is a powerful lesson. Though my children have never seen a barren desert, these stories help them visualize and appreciate the historical and spiritual context of Hajj.

Embracing Daily Rituals and Good Deeds

My children, all under nine, are now at an age where we engage in daily rituals like reciting duas, memorizing Juz Amma, and performing Maghrib prayers together. These practices are sprinkled with reminders to exhibit good character, apologize for mistakes, and reflect on our intentions. This routine helps in fostering a strong spiritual foundation and understanding of our faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of good deeds during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. He said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The significance of these days is further highlighted by the fact that each night in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is equivalent to Laylat al-Qadr. Observing fasts and engaging in night prayers during this period is highly rewarding.

Reflecting on Palestine

As I go about my daily activities, my thoughts are often with Palestine. The contrast between my life and that of Palestinian families is stark. While my children fall asleep to the sound of rain, many Palestinian children sleep to the sound of bombs. These reflections remind me of the immense privileges we enjoy and the importance of empathy and solidarity with those in distress.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us that every dua is answered by Allah, even if not immediately or in the way we expect. This belief keeps me hopeful and encourages me to teach my children the power of dua and patience. Narrations from Abu Sa’eed highlight that Allah responds to every sincere prayer by granting it, storing it for the Hereafter, or diverting an equivalent evil.

Fostering a Love for Hajj

Reading books about Hajj and sharing personal experiences of the pilgrimage are effective ways to cultivate my children’s longing to visit the Ka’bah and Masjid Al Nabawi. Though we’re not going for Hajj this year, hadiths provide comfort. Abu Dharr narrated that attending the ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation is as rewarding as Hajj and Umrah, respectively.

This aligns beautifully with our family’s prayer traditions. Encouraging three energetic children to pray together can be challenging, but it’s a rewarding endeavor that builds lasting spiritual habits. I pray that these moments of togetherness after prayer become cherished memories for my children.

Renewing Intentions During Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is an opportune time to renew our intentions and commitments. This includes making dua for the oppressed, such as those in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, India, China, and Myanmar. It’s also a time to repay missed fasts, engage in sunnah fasts, increase charitable giving, and read more Qur’an.

May Allah grant peace and liberation to all oppressed communities and bless us with the opportunity to perform Hajj and Umrah with our families. Let us embrace this sacred month with gratitude, humility, and renewed faith.