On Wednesday, September 13, 2017 (22 Zulhijjah 1438), students of Shibyan, PG, TK, and SD DAQU Kalibata City had the annual practice program of performing Hajj in their school area (Manasik Haji).
According to Kayla Zahra Saviera Hasan of Grade 4 SD Daqu Kalibata City who joined the practice with her friends, she said that it was enjoyable for the kids to join Manasik Haji at school. Before participating in the manasik, according to her, we had the photo taking session. It was quite long because we had to take turn one student at a time. All the boys had to wear the Ihram Clothes which is a two piece non-sewn long white fabric, and the right shoulder part must be visible; meanwhile all the girls had to wear white hijab and white Muslimah dress. Also it was also required for the girls to put on gloves so that the hands are covered, however during the Manasik Haji we did not need to do so, since it was only a training.
Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is compulsory for those who can afford to do it, mentally and physically. The pilgrims (hajji) have the opportunity to visit the two Holy Cities in Mekkah and Madinah, and they also have to perform the Wukuf in the field of Arafah.
This Wukuf or staying in Arafah is compulsory in the practice of hajji. Without it the pilgrim cannot be regarded as having completely performed hajj. Our Principal, Ustad Abdul Wahid Basyir, gave his Wukuf speech to all of us. After that we had to go to “Mudzdalifah” to pick up stones for the throwing in Jamarat, Mina. Throwing stones, for us they were just paper balls, or Jumroh Hurling is one of the Hajji rukun which has to be done after Wukuf in Arafah. We also had to jog or walk fast between Shafa and Marwa, which was the route when Siti Hajar RA. wanted to find water for her son, Prophet Ismail.
Finally we had to do the Thawaf or circling around Ka’bah seven times which is the direction for prayer for all Muslims around the world. After that we had to have our hair cut for only a few pieces and inches, which is called Tahallul, and continued by doing the Thawaf Wada, or the farewell procession to Ka’ba (we all shouted Bismillahi Allahu Akbar!). After that we had the souvenir snacks from Saudi Arabia, such as Zamzam water, dates, raisins, and pistachio nuts.
It was fun for all of us, according to Kayla Zahra, then we went back home and ate lots of food, and we fell asleep because it was too tired. “See you guys tomorrow!”, said Kayla to her friends at SD Daqu Kalibata City.
