It is a divine pleasure for the UK muslims to go for umrah with kids. Umrah is a sacred journey which involves going on a minor pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.
Although it is not mandatory, muslims perform it in their lives as they believe that performing umrah makes them guests of Allah and they never come back empty-handed without gaining blessings, rewards and peace.
The importance of umrah is extremely high in the lives of muslims. It gives a chance to cleanse the soul and be able to find the true meaning of life. In the fast-moving life of the UK, Umrah offers muslims an ideal opportunity to be able to seek forgiveness from Allah. This article will help you teach your children about the importance of Makkah and umrah.
The Roots of Umrah
Stories are one of the best ways to teach children. Tell the history of umrah through the story of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Hajrah. The early roots and history behind Umrah are linked with the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Allah ordered him to leave his wife and infant son in the desert of Makkah. As the story continues, when Ismail (AS) was crying for water, Hajar (AS) started to run between Safa and Marwah in search of water. The Zamzam well emerged from the ground. Allah ordered Ibrahim (AS) and his son to construct the Kaaba.
The rituals of Umrah, such as Tawaf and Sai, were established in remembrance of these significant events. The Kaaba was a site for worshipping various rituals in the pre-Islamic period. Besides that, it was a famous place for trade and religious gatherings. Many Islamic travel agencies are offering umrah deals for UK pilgrims so they can travel and perform umrah with ease.
Make Learning Interactive with Kids
Another way of teaching children is through practical activities. Hands-on activities help children learn through play and practice. By using cardboard, clay, or building blocks, build a Kaaba model, and guide them about the significance of the Kaaba.
By performing a mock tawaf around the cardboard Kaaba, parents can also teach their children tawaf. Also, role play rituals help in teaching kids, like throwing pebbles at the fake jamarat, symbolise resistance against evil. Draw and colour scenes from Hajj, such as pilgrims walking together or tents in Mina.
The History of Mecca
Many times ago, before the tall buildings, shining lights and millions of travellers, there was a quiet and empty valley. There were no trees, no rivers, no houses, just dry mountains and the open sky.
Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Hajra travel with their baby in this desert that miraculously changed into a home. Then, a travelling tribe, Jurhum, passed by; there were birds flying above the valley, and they found Hazrat Hajrah with Zamzam water.
They ask Hazrat Hajra for permission and build their houses there. They were the first community of Makkah. Then Allah ordered Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail to build my house, then both father and son built a simple cube-shaped structure from stones of the mountains.
Over the years, Mecca grew busier, and travellers from all over the world came here for trading. A boy from the Noble tribe of Qurash was born in the blessed City and changed the whole world.
Why is Mecca important?
For Muslims, Mecca is more than just a city. Allah says in the Quran about Mecca: Indeed, the first house of worship established for mankind was that at Mecca-blessed and a guidance for the worlds” Surah Al Imran.
Mecca is also the home of the last Prophet Muhammad, PBUH. He was born in Mecca. Mecca is the place where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation of the Quran in a cave called Hira.
The Quran gives great guidance on faith, worship, morality, and social conduct, making it the compass for Muslims’ lives. The cubed-shaped Kaaba is also situated in the Masjid Al Haram with the black stone that ALLAH sent from heaven.
Why Children Should Learn the History of the Kaaba and the Umrah
Teaching the children about the history of Umrah and Mecca has great significance. It allows them to build an Islamic identity through Islamic education; they can easily ponder on their religion. Umrah inspires them to be grateful and love Ibrahim and the Prophet Muhammad.
Teaching of Umrah also prepares them for their future Umrah and Hajj. The blendings are important for their tawakkal humbleness, piety and resilient behaviour.
Conclusion
Umrah and Mecca both teach children the story of faith. Mecca is a blessed City of Islam, where many pilgrims come for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage.
It’s a city where miracles happened and changed the whole desert into a city. Umrah gives the lesson of patience, humility, gratitude, and love for Allah. Mecca connects the Muslim community with love and devotion. No matter where we live, our hearts always return to Mecca.