New Horizon School Pasadena’s Annual Hajj Simulation

As Muslims from around the world converged on the city of Mecca for Hajj, students at New Horizon Pasadena simulated this event at the school’s annual Hajj Simulation. The spirit of Hajj flowed through each station of the rituals from the Ka’ba to Safa and Marwa to Mina and Arafat. Middle school students led the elementary students through their realistic journey by giving “shots” at the medical clinic, stamping passports and boarding passes in the airport, and flying on Mecca Airlines to their destination. Once the students “arrived” in Jeddah, they were met by sixth grade Hajj guides who take their groups through the process and explain the significance of each ritual.

One of the most spiritual moments of the day was listening to the sermon given this year by Zekaria Beshir, an eighth grader, at Arafat in which he inspired students to absorb the lessons of Hajj such as patience and perseverance and to become closer to God as we imagine the Day of Judgment when we will stand before Him with humility.

A makeshift Ka’ba constructed using plastic piping and a handsewn cloth was a central point in the journey’s activities with circling (tawaf) at the beginning and the end. After completing the steps of Hajj, students enjoyed a visit to the barber for a “haircut” and to the marketplace for Eid treats. A final stamp from the immigration officers ended the trip.

Parents observing the Hajj expressed their great satisfaction in their children being able to benefit from this type of experiential learning. Through this simulation, the students have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of Hajj.