[PHOTOS] Early introduction to haj for young ones through simulation
The Vibes’ Azim Rahman captures the scenes at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
Updated 3 years ago · Published on 24 Jun 2023 8:00AM
Children from kindergartens in the Klang Valley as well as from other states gather at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam last Wednesday for the Little Haj Simulation Programme. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023
by Azim Rahman
SHAH ALAM – The Little Haj Simulation Programme (Program Simulasi Haji Cilik) organised by Persatuan Tadika Islam Malaysia (Pertim), which took place at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque last Wednesday, aimed to introduce young children to the significance and rituals of the haj pilgrimage.
The haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia – the religion’s holiest city. It is a sacred journey that holds immense spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide.
The pilgrimage involves a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family. Pilgrims gather in Mecca to perform rituals such as circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, standing on the plain of Arafat, and participating in the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat.
In the Little Haj Simulation Programme, children had the opportunity to engage in a simulated experience of the haj pilgrimage to develop an appreciation for its rituals and significance.
Approximately two thousand children from 88 kindergartens in the Klang Valley participated. Similar programmes were held in Penang, Perak, Johor, and Melaka.
The programme, which began at 8am, had obtained the necessary approval from the Selangor Education Department, demonstrating its recognition and support for such initiatives that contribute to the educational and spiritual development of young individuals.
Through the Little Haj Simulation Programme, Pertim and the participating kindergartens aim to nurture a sense of reverence, cultural understanding, and religious identity among the younger generation, laying the foundation for a deeper appreciation of the haj pilgrimage and its significance for Muslims.
The Vibes photographer AZIM RAHMAN was on hand to capture the scenes at the programme. – The Vibes, June 24, 2023
Young children patiently wait in line to participate in the simulated haj programme. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Teachers are on hand to guide the young kids as they seek to familiarise themselves with the rituals that are part of the haj. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Lest anyone get lost, the young children have tags identifying them and the kindergarten they are from. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Children eagerly await the start of the programme, which began at 8am last Wednesday. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Children learn about the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat. The ritual is a symbolic reenactment of the Prophet Ibrahim’s haj, where he stoned three pillars representing the Shaitan, and Muslims’ temptation to disobey God’s will. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Two boys participate in a simulated stoning of the Jamarat. On Aidiladha, haj pilgrims must strike the Big Jamarah or Al-Jamrah Al-Aqaba with seven pebbles. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023The Little Haj Simulation Programme introduces young Muslim children to the rituals and significance of the haj. Performing the pilgrimage is one of the religion’s five pillars. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023A boy learns about one ritual haj pilgrims will undergo, which is the cutting or shaving of one’s hair. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Children walk during the simulation programme, which depicts some of the haj rituals such as walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Children from the Seri Jasmine kindergarten prepare to join the Little Haj Simulation Programme. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Teachers and chaperones keep lines of kindergarten children organised while on the Little Haj Simulation Programme. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023Children learn about circling the Kaaba as part of the simulation programme. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, June 24, 2023
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