Eid al Adha and Hajj

Getting dressed for morning assembly

Our kindergarten re-enacted the Hajj at this morning's assembly.  Dressed in traditional clothing, the children walked 7 times around the Kaaba, or cube-like structure in the center.  This was a replica of the real thing at Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 

The boys dressed in the ihram, which is two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with the top draped over the body.  The ihram is meant to show equality of all, in front of God: there is no difference between a prince and a pauper.  While wearing the ihram, they cannot shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, swear, fight, have sex, cover the head [for men] or the face and hands [for women], marry, wear shoes over the ankles, perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons.

As they walk around the stone, they kiss it.  If they can't because of the crowds, they point towards the stone with their right hand. Each time around this morning, the children said, "In the name of God, God is Great, God is Great, God is Great and praise be to God." (Bism Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd)

As we watched the children, it was explained to me that pilgrims also perform sa`i, running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. They are re-enacting the search for water by Abraham's wife Hajar. While she was searching, the Zamzam Well was revealed to her by an angel, and the water started gushing from the ground.  As part of this ritual, the people also drink water from the Zamzam Well.

The girls wore the hijab which is modest, but does not cover hands or face.  The girls had been bringing in their outfits for the past week and were "rewarded" with a prize when they remembered to bring it in.

For the final part of the pilgrimmage, they go to Mt. Arafat where they pray and recite the Qur'an. This is known as Wuquf, and is considered the highlight of the Hajj. They must spend the afternoon on the plain of Arafat until after sunset.  A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.

This is the traditional time of year that many adults perform this pilgrimmage, and it's considered essential at least once in each person's lifetime. 

Because of the Hajj, I only had 10 children in my class today.  This was also the day that I got to leave at 9:30 as my "gift of time" for perfect attendance.  So, I only had 10 children for about an hour today and then left school:  a great start for Eid al Adha.

We're heading to Salalah, Oman for the break.  Can't wait to post pictures.  Everything I've heard about it sounds amazing!!!