News Islamic Tradition
4 June 2026
Alhamdulillah, every two years the Islamic Studies department holds the ASC Hajj Simulation, which is an interactive and immersive experience where students journey through simulated stations and pillars of Hajj in an engaging and meaningful way. Students were taught about the rituals in class as part of their studies and then had the opportunity to apply their learning in practice through the simulation.
What is Hajj? Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Once in a lifetime, every adult Muslim who has the physical and financial ability is required to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. Hajj is a commemoration of the life and trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. It is a large communal event, with over three million Muslims from diverse backgrounds gathering to perform the same rituals over five days in and around Makkah.
Hajj lasts for five days during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Pilgrims stay at Mina, spend a day at Arafat, a night in Muzdalifah and then return to Makkah for the farewell Tawaf.
Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, is celebrated on the third day of Hajj. It begins with a special prayer and sermon, after which Muslims are recommended to sacrifice an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow or camel, re-enacting the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).
The fundamental goal of Hajj is seeking forgiveness from Allah, requiring humility and patience throughout. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that a person who performs Hajj properly “will return as a newly born baby (free of all sins)."
Alhamdulillah, the simulation was celebrated at school with zeal and enthusiasm. Staff and students enjoyed carrying out the informative rituals together, including circling the education model of the Ka'bah, performing Sa'ee, standing in the plain of Arafat and making Dua with a bus tour, spending time in tents to commemorate the stay in Mina, collecting rocks at Muzdalifah, throwing rocks at Jamarat and drinking Zamzam water.
It was a wonderful experience that brought the understood rituals of Hajj to life for our students in an educational way, and we are grateful to all the staff who made it possible. We hope it has inspired meaningful conversations at home, in sha Allah.
Primary Islamic Studies Department