Are you a Non-Muslim who is interested in learning more about the Hajj season and how you can join in with your Muslim family members or neighbors ?
Here are some ways to learn about Hajj and it’s rituals order to get the conversation started with the Muslims in your community and show your support.
Check out some books on Hajj
Go to your local library and check out some books about Hajj and Mecca.
Read about it on the internet
Watch Mecca Live
Try to watch everyday in early afternoon to evening for about a week and see the number of pilgrims increase daily.
Watch a documentary
You can also watch a documentary where you can watch a pilgrim perform Hajj and explain the rituals.
Find a Hajji
A Hajji is a person who has already gone on Hajj from your local mosque and listen to their story or read about a story here.
Host an iftar
Most Muslims who are not on Hajj, fast the second day which is known as the Day of Arafat. This is a day that Muslims spend in prayer seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. Host an iftar dinner at your house or send a meal to your local mosque.
Greet Muslims with Eid Mubarak
On Eid which is July 9, 2022, each year it changes check with your local mosque for the right date. On this holiday, greet Muslims that you see around you with “Eid Mubarak to your family!” which means “have a blessed holiday!”
Learn about Hajj with your kids
With the activity book that we created about Hajj, you and your children can read about the story of a pilgrim’s on his way to and during Hajj. Then they will have an activity or two to work on before reading the next phase of the journey.
Hand out your family’s traditional holiday snack or dessert
The day of Eid is about tradition, like attending the mosque for prayers, taking different roads to get to the mosque and visiting family and friends.
Eid al-Adha is about remembering the story of when Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail. At the very last minute, Allah sent a sheep to be sacrificed instead. Most Muslim families will make traditional desserts like those below.
You could make a dessert that your family loves and enjoys during your religious holidays, then share it with your Muslim friends, family or neighbors. When you take it to them share why this treat is delicious and traditional to your family. Or you could attempt to make one of those traditional treats above if you are good at baking! I’ll try to post a baklava recipe soon!
Welcome Home a Hajji
Ask your local mosque if anyone from their community is attending Hajj this year. Also, ask if you may be able to go an welcome them home from Hajj by driving them home from the airport, cleaning their house, or preparing treats or welcome home presents.