BOGOR, WEST JAVA — Hundreds of young children enthusiastically participated in the Hajj Manasik Demonstration which took place in the Dompet Dhuafa Madina Zone, Parung, on Thursday (26/09/2024). This annual activity was attended by 800 participants from 32 Kindergarten (TK) and Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institutions around the region.
The Chief Executive of the 2024 Madina Zone Hajj Manasik Demonstration, Surini, explained that this activity is a form of direct practice of Islamic religious learning taught at school. After the 32 agencies arrived at the Madina Zone and had re-registered at the registration desk, the participants were then directed to gather at the Al Madina Mosque to get a briefing and tausiyah about the Hajj manasik that they would practice.
“By participating in the Hajj manasik demonstration, the children can understand concretely about the fifth pillar of Islam,” he said.
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Zona Madina, as an integration area, has regularly held this event since 2014. The complete and comfortable facilities are the main attraction for educational institutions to hold Hajj manasik activities here. In fact, not only educational institutions from the Madina Zone, some outside parties also often utilize this location for the same activities. It is planned that in October 2024, there will be a Hajj manasik activity organized by HIMPAUDI Ciseeng District with 600 participants or students.
Every year, at least 1000 participants participate. While in 2024, the Hajj Manasik Demonstration is divided into 2 waves. Wave one was held on September 19, 2024 with 300 children participating. While the second batch will be held on September 26, 2024 with 800 participants.
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One of the teachers accompanying the participants, Marwah Khairunnisa, a Little Star Kindergarten teacher, said that every year Little Star Kindergarten always participates in this Hajj manasik activity. According to her, the Hajj Manasik Demonstration at Zona Madina not only provides valuable experience for children, but also a place for socialization and friendship between educational institutions.
“We are very happy and feel facilitated by Zona Madina, which annually holds Hajj Manasik activities here. Moreover, the price is quite affordable. We get several items such as certificates, trophies, nametags, snacks, and Hajj souvenir packages. Our hope is that the children will remember and understand what they did in this Hajj manasik practice, so that God willing, one day this will be a motivation for them to be able to actually go to Hajj or Umrah to the holy land,” he said.
Hajj manasik activities are not only a simulation of worship, but also have a positive impact on children’s growth and development. Through this activity, children are taught to understand Islamic values such as patience, sincerity, and brotherhood. In addition, this activity can also increase children’s self-confidence and independence. By participating in Hajj manasik activities, it is hoped that children can grow into a young generation with noble character and love for religion. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar and Fitin Agustin
Editor: Dhika Prabowo