We've been thinking about how we'll be celebrating the upcoming BIG EID aka Eid Al-Adha! And what better way than to get the whole family involved in a Dhul Hijjah countdown. The Big Eid in Arabic means the "Festival of Sacrifice" to remind us to have our hearts in the right place and enjoy our life...

What exactly is Dhul Hijjah? For a lot of us, it has been a while since our last Sunday school session. Here are a few basics about Dhul Hijjah:  Dhul Hijjah refers to "The Month of Hajj". It is the final month in the Islamic calendar. The hajj pilgrimage is completed during the first 9 days. BIG EID is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah! 

*BONUS* Make sure to share photos with us of how you're enjoying our Dhul-Hijjah Activity Packet, tag @daysofeid and #daysofBigEid to automatically enter to win a $75 usd Days of Eid gift card. We'll be selecting 3 WINNERS! 

Days of Eid will be releasing a FREE Dhul-Hijjah activity packet. Whether you want to get your kids engaged with Islamic holidays or you're just looking for something fun and crafty, this is for you! We crafted each of the activities to match with a day of Dhul Hijjah. Let's take a look at each of the activity pages and how it correlates with Dhul Hijjah. When you're done, you can download the linked packet!

1. "What is Dhul Hijjah?", (page 1):

Read! Ease into the ten days with a simple explanation about Dhul Hijjah written especially for children to understand. See what catches your attention! 

2. "What good deeds can I do?", (page 2): 

Go from good intentions to good actions! The best 10 days of the year are Dhul Hijjah! It is the most sacred out of the whole Islamic calendar.  End the Islamic year with a focus on good deeds. 

Tip: Use this sheet like a bingo card to encourage kids to take part. Or use it as inspiration for yourself.

3. "Kaaba Sadaqa Box", (page 3):

Recycle, Save, and Share! The Kaaba holds a significant place in Islamic history and the story of humanity as a whole. Let it hold a special connection to you and your family during these 10 days. Use materials in your house to transform a regular piece of cardboard into a sadaqa box.

Tip: Decide on who or where you'll give the sadaqa together. At the end of the 10 days, personally deliver whatever you save. 

4.  "Hajj Puppets", (page 4): 

Put on a show! Reenact the steps of hajj. As adults, we may know about hajj generally, but what do we know about each specific right of hajj? Take a peek ahead at page 9 for some help.

Creative Idea: Grab a flashlight or remove a lampshade and point the light at the puppets. Bring the shapes to life on the walls of your home and build memories. 

5. "Thikr Beads",(page 5):

Make it personal. Isn't funny how forgetful humans can be? Look inward and remind yourself of Allah who is always with you. Remember you can do thikr standing, sitting or lying down (3:191)

6. "Kaaba Garland",(page 6):

Get creative! Use this activity as a storytelling catalyst as you scavenge around your home for materials to create your garland. You can also print the page directly and cut out the kabaa. Glue the white parts of the tabs to connect the folds together. 

7. "Sheep Garland", (page 7):

Connect with nature through paper! Why do Islamic holidays always include a natural element? Whether its the moon, an animal, or performing hajj, Islam calls us back to engage with the natural world. Cultivate an appreciation for the blessing of animals. Get into the BIG EID mindset with garlands of fluffy sheep.

Tip: Make it a party. Play nasheeds and sing along. There's one nasheed specifically about the Islamic months. 

8. "The Story of Hajar and zamzam water, (page 8): 

Storytime! The stories of the prophets and and their families serve as important lessons for all of us. Read the story together and reflect on what it must have felt like for Hajar to be alone with a newborn baby in the middle of the desert. Use the story to inspire another puppet show!

9. "Steps of Hajj", (page 9 and 10):

Color & Learn! Hajj is the last pillar of Islam. It's a foundational element of our Islamic heritage. Learn about each step and memorize them together. Color the image on page 9!

Creative Idea: Turn the "Steps of Hajj" sheet on page 10 into a game board! Roll a dice and see if you remember the order of each step of hajj.

10. "My duaa list", (page 11):

Manifest your dreams! Today is the 9^th Day of Dhul-Hijjah also known as the Day of Arafah. It is the most special day to fast and to make duaa. Write or draw out a list of things you want to ask from Allah (swt). "Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year, and fasting on 'Ashura, (the tenth day of Muharram) atones for the sins of previous years." Reported by all except Al-Bukhari and At-Tirmidhi

Duaa is a powerful tool we all possess. But remember, duaa is more than just a wish list, it's a way to be grateful from the bottom of your heart for all we are blessed with. Don't be shy to include "gratitude" or your community in your duaas. In fact, it's part of the etiquette of duaa to show gratitude and to pray for your community, your family and then yourself, in that order.

11. "Eid Mubarak", (page 12):

CELEBRATE BIG EID! The moment we've all been waiting for. The last 9 days have been focused on discipline and doing good. Now enjoy the blessing of Eid Al-Adha. Or as we call it at Days of Eid...BIG EID! Color this page and turn it into an Eid Greeting card. Drop it off at a neighbor's house!

We hope the Dhul Hijjah activity packet and this resource guide is helpful and fun for the whole family. Isn't it amazing to reflect on what is sacred, especially when it's invisible and hiding under our noses, and transform our inner self? 

Use the hashtag #DaysofBigEid and share photos with us on our Instagram @daysofeid. Days of Eid will be selecting 3 winners to each recive a $75 Days of Eid gift card. Eid Mubarak!

Celebrate BIG EID with our Gift selection online. Download our Free Dhul Hijjah Activity Pack here.