Trips are always exciting for kids. They always get excited whenever someone in the family talk about going somewhere. If it is a spiritual and holy trip like Umrah, parents have a big role to play in making this journey special for the little ones in the home. They can teach their kids about its rituals, rewards, blessings, and associated spiritual lessons. When parents take their children along on Umrah, they plant seeds of spiritual growth in them that foster deep inner reflection and a bond with Allah. That is why many people love going for Umrah with their families. They are booking Family Umrah Packages at an increased rate to make the most of this holy trip with their kids. However, the question remains how to help kids understand the spiritual meaning of Umrah. This post describes a simple and step-by-step guide to making Umrah a deeply spiritual experience for children.
8 Ways to Introduce Children to a Deeper Side of Umrah
Share Stories
One of the best ways to spiritually connect children to Umrah is by sharing religious stories with them. Children love stories, and they remember the lessons through characters and events. Stories give a context, and this context or background creates the meaning. You can share with them the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his family and how Hazrat Hagar struggled in search of water. Then link this to how Allah helped her, meanwhile connecting it to the sprout of Zamzam water. You must connect every string of the story in a way that it seems engaging to listen to and keep children hooked. Moreover, tell them the reason Muslims walk between Safa and Marwah. When they walk with you between these hills, they will keep the purpose behind it in their mind.
Use Visuals and Books
Children learn more through what they see. Now the world has advanced so much that every object is visually present even if you have not seen it personally. The same is the case with pictures and videos of the Ka’aba. Parents can get their visual aids easily from any shop. Many All Inclusive Umrah Packages include these learning tools or preparation guides; you can use them for educational purposes. These aids will help children connect with the Ka’aba even before seeing it in real life. This is a good practice to do before going for Umrah. Moreover, parents can also show them age-appropriate documentaries and Islamic cartoons regarding Umrah. They can read to them the books that describe every ritual in a way that is easy to learn and follow.
Talk About the Purpose of Umrah
Kids always try to understand the reason or logic behind everything. Similarly, when you are teaching them the meaning of Umrah, do not just explain what to do during Umrah; rather, talk about why we do it. Parents have to help children understand the deeper purpose behind every ritual. They must explain the reason we wear simple clothes, leave luxury and comfort behind, and go around the Ka’aba. Teach them in simple language using words they can connect easily with, like love, obedience, and closeness to Allah. Moreover, explain to them that Umrah is a special meeting with Allah, a chance to clean our hearts and start fresh.
Teach Them Through Duas
Before beginning the Umrah journey, teach your kids simple Duas. You can find a number of them with one or two lines, so it will be easy for your children to memorise. While they learn them, you must explain the meaning of each Dua to them. In addition, parents can help their kids make their Dua list and what they would ask Allah when they go for Umrah. Tell them the importance of making Dua in Haram so that they feel excited to make as many Duas as they can during their holy trip. Dua is a tool to build a connection with the Creator, so when the kids feel heard by Allah, they feel close to Him.
Involve them in Umrah planning
Another great way to help kids connect spiritually with the Umrah is by involving them during the planning phase. Ask them to pack their Ihram. While they do so, talk to them about the steps of the journey, like boarding the plane, wearing the Ihram, setting the intention, and so on. Encourage them to carry a small bag with them in which they must keep a prayer mat, a Dua book, and a tasbeeh. Moreover, when you are choosing an Umrah package, include your kids in the conversation by showing them the places you have booked to visit during the trip. In this way, they will become part of the process and feel responsible. This will build their interest, which will lead to heightened excitement about performing Umrah.
Be Patient with Their Questions
Children are innately curious beings. They ask a lot of questions, out of which some might seem silly, whereas others are deep. This is the test of the parents, then. They must answer every question gently. If they do not know the answer, instead of saying “I don’t know”, they can say “let’s find out together”. If your child asks too many questions, it is a sign of learning. This shows that your kid is curious to know about the Umrah, which will lead to his or her better spiritual understanding of it.
Set Examples with Your Actions
More than listening, children learn best by watching how we behave. So, you need to set an example for them with your actions to let them follow. If you show excitement about going for Umrah, they will naturally feel excited too. When they see you cry while making Dua, they’ll understand how special those moments are. If you treat others with kindness, they’ll learn to do the same. Show humility in your actions, express gratitude often, and let your awe for the sacred journey shine through. When your love for Allah is visible, your children will start to feel that same love in their hearts. After all, leading by example is the most powerful way to teach.
Reflect Together at the End of the Day
Last but not the least, take time to sit with your kids and reflect together on the whole day during Umrah. Ask them simple yet meaningful questions like, “What was your favourite part today?” or “How did you feel during tawaf?” and “Did anything special come to your mind while making Dua?” Parents must create a safe space for their kids where they can share their thoughts and feelings openly. You need to listen with full attention, speak less, and allow your kids to express freely. These daily reflections help deepen their connection to the experience and will become memories they carry with them long after the trip is over. This is a healthy practice to help your children build a connection with the Umrah.
The Final Word
Umrah is a spiritual experience for Muslim families. However, it is not easy to connect kids to its spiritual meaning. These little humans demand extra efforts to understand such a profound concept. With the tips and insights mentioned above, parents can make Umrah a rewarding journey for their children too. Various travel agencies, like Muslims Holy Travel, also assist the people in this case by providing them with engaging educational materials when they book the Umrah packages. So, you can contact them today and book family Umrah packages as per your ease and budget and make Umrah a journey your kids will never forget.
