JEDDAH — Jauhara International School conducted a program for its students on the activities of Haj and how to perform the pilgrimage. Abeer Dahalwi, assistant to the principal, said: “We are trying to introduce the fifth pillar of Islam that is Haj, the arkan (practices) and wajibat (obligations) on a step-by-step basis. “We explained the meaning of Talbia (recitation of holy words) and why it's necessary to recite them during Haj. “We want to increase their knowledge about Haj and we want to let them understand the importance of the pilgrimage in a Muslim's life, as it's once in a lifetime and they should know everything. “They should know what the stories are behind every act of Haj, like how slaughtering the sheep is a symbol of sacrifice from a son toward his father. “We are trying to show importance of Eid Al-Adha and Haj to our students so these significant things will remain in their memories.” Young children from different grades performed all Haj rituals in front of students. A description of the Haj rituals was given by Fatima Hamed of grade 4 and Aseem Sadyk of grade 3. The school grounds were decorated and small models of Holy Ka'aba and all other places were arranged systematically. The participating students dressed up in ihram, the dress that all pilgrims must wear prior to performing Haj or Umrah. They showed their schoolmates how to wear ihram, performed Umrah, went to Mina and did all the rituals of Haj up till the final rite of the “Farewell Tawaf (circumambulation of the Holy Ka'aba)”. The translation of the Talbia was read by Afaf Osama of grade 3 followed by a short speech on Haj by Maria Muzzaffar of grade 4. After the speech a question and answer session was carried out. The winners of the session were Raghad Al-Hadad, Razaz Abu Zar, Wardah Shariff, Aleeha Sajid and Ahmed Khojli. Parvin Maswood Juwale, academic coordinator, said: “It is really a memorable event for the students of Jauhara. “The teachers have participated with eagerness and enthusiasm. Their efforts are appreciated.” “Allah prescribed Haj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation on Muslims who have the means and are physically able to perform it. “By performing the acts of Haj, we are enabling the children to learn more about Islam, which is one of our objectives.”
