18 Children’s books about Hajj
In this post, I have curated a collection of the best books about Hajj – stories, Hajj activity books and some resources that can help you teach your child about this last Pillar of Islam I hope you find them useful.
I have written in detail about Hajj activities for Kids here but to give you a little introduction, Hajj is the fifth Pillar of Islam.
Muslims believe in the Five Pillars of Islam which means they have 5 things that make up their religion.
- Shahadah: Proclamation that there is one God and that Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger to be sent by God.
- Salah: Which means prayer. A Muslim must pray 5 times a day.
- Sawm: Fasting in the month of Ramadan.
- Zakat: Which means compulsory giving of charity from your earning.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah (in Saudi Arabia) at least once in a life time.
Hajj is the last Pillar that means in order to complete their religion (if they have the money and health to do so) they must make a pilgrimage to go to Makkah at least once in their life time. (You can read my Hajj story here.)
Hajj falls in Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic Calendar. Those who don’t go on Hajj but are staying at home, they celebrate Eid ul Adha.
There are two Eid that Muslims celebrate – Eid ul Fitr that falls at the end of Ramadan and Eid ul Adha that falls at the end of Hajj.
Growing up, we didn’t have many books on Hajj or Eid ul Adha. In the past 12 years, I have bought many books on Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr for my children but, I couldn’t find a good book about Hajj or Eid ul Adha.
A few weeks ago, I searched the internet to add a few to my collection. Below I am sharing the best Hajj Books for Kids that I could find. I hope this list is useful.
You may be interested in:
Best Islamic Toys and Gifts for Kids
Best Ramadan Books for Kids
Hajj Story Books for Kids
Please note: The links below may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Below you will find 18 of my favorite Hajj stories and activity books. I have also included books that are on Kindle. Wherever possible I have included links for both UK and US version.
Amazon in Saudi Arabia is just starting so they don’t have many books but I have added the links to the two books that I found on it. I will inshAllah in future update if I find them available here. In the meanwhile, please reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook if you want to know how to obtain these books where you live.
1. Two Pigeons On A Pilgrimage: A Hajj Story
Two Pigeons on a Pilgrimage has become one of our favorite books this year and for good reason!
This book by Bismillah Bees is written by Rabia Bashir and illustrated by the 12 year old Aisha Dean.
It is a rhyming book which follows two pigeons as they witness the rituals of Hajj. All the steps of Hajj are covered in the correct sequence as the two birds follow the pilgrims from when they leave home for Hajj to all the steps of Hajj that they perform.
It is one of the cutest books that I have seen. The illustrations by Aisha Dean and the rhyming story by Rabia Bashir are perfect for little children. My children ever since we learnt that Aisha Dean is just 12 had wanted to see this book. Rabia Bashir’s words and Aisha’s adorable drawing have won our hearts!
I recommend this book for ages 3 – 8 years old. We found this book perfect for doing some book based Hajj crafts. (crafts coming soon!)
You can buy this book on Amazon here. Or Check out the Bismillah Bees site. They also have a faceless version this book.
Noor Kids books never disappoint. Written by Amin G. Asser, Noor Kids Go To Hajj has adventure stories that help children think, wonder and ask questions about the purpose behind the pilgrimage.
“In the first story, In Allah’s Orbit, Asad draws a parallel between the planets rotating around the sun with pilgrims doing Tawaaf around the Kaa’ba – internalizing a belief that Allah (SWT) is the center of our lives.
In the second story, Lost & Found, Amira learns about the power of prayer as she asks for Allah (SWT) for help when she is lost – taking a page from the story of Lady Hajar and Baby Ismail in Mecca.
This book also features an Islamic Invention, a spotlight on the Cave of Hira, a recipe from Chef Yvonne from MyHalalKitchen.”
It is a comic style book for children 5-9 year old.
You can check this book out here.
3. Yan’s Hajj: The Journey of a Lifetime
This is another book that we have. Yan as a young man decided to go for Hajj but on his way he encounters people in trouble. The savings that he worked hard to save for Hajj, he uses to help these people until he has no more money for his pilgrimage.
“Yan is a big-hearted young man determined to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. But first, he must work hard on his farm and fill up his money bag for the journey. Despite the trials he faces on each unsuccessful trip to the Kaaba, Yan’s helpful nature, compassion, and generosity enable him to succeed in the end.”
The book hints at the real reason why Hajj is once in a lifetime and all the other things that people can do with their money saved. To be precise – there are so many opportunities for good deeds.
I found it appropriate for ages 5-10 year olds. The illustrations are really nice.
Find out more about this book here.
4. The Young Explorers’ Adventures in Makkah
Written by Abu Zaynah Published by Islamopedia
Zaynah, Maryam and Ali were three young explorers. Together with their guide, uncle Hamza, they explore Makkah, Islam’s holiest city. They take young readers on an exciting journey, revealing lands and places that were an essential part of the development and history of Islam.
Join Zaynah, Maryam and Ali on this revealing journey and find out for yourself about the hidden gems that lie within.”
5. Haji Zaahir Jamel the Camel
Published by Goodwords Books, Haji Zaahir Jamel the Camel is a cute rhyming story about two friends Zaahir and his camel.
“The early reader rhyming series is based upon a young Muslim boy (Zaahir) and his furry friend (Jamel the Camel). Come along with them and experience the pleasure and joy of this beautiful Hajj journey. Learning about Islam is always an exciting adventure with your Muslim Pals Zaahir & Jamel the Camel! This book comes complete with an Islamic Quiz, Puzzle, Arabic Activity, Glossary and much more…”
6. A Little Tree Goes for Hajj by Eman Salem.
It is a bilingual book in Arabic and English
“The little tree has always wanted to travel, especially to Mecca, to perform Hajj (an Islamic religious pilgrimage). But how can he travel when his roots are in the ground? Find out how his dream comes true, and he makes the journey of a lifetime. “A Little Tree Goes for Hajj” is an ideal education tool to introduce the Hajj to children who are learning about important rituals in different world religions; includes a glossary with short definitions and explanations for readers unfamiliar with Hajj.”
7. The Call to Hajj The She Camel (Two Tales)
– By Sanyasnain Khan
“Goodword’s Favourite Tales from the Quran are timeless, treasured stories, specially chosen of young children. These stories, which have proved the best loved from one generation to the next, can be clearly understood and are fun to read, share and enjoy.”
It is a short book of just two stories from the Quran on how Hajj started. As with all Sanyasnain Khan books, it has very simple language for even the smallest children to understand.
This book is available on Amazon.
8. Owl and Cat Go To Hajj by Emma Apple
This is surprisingly a very elaborate book (it has 78 pages!) detailing the day by say steps of Hajj in a simple language.
Owl and Cat then pack their bags, and travel by plane to Mecca. Day one has them putting on ihram, performing tawaf, sa’iy, and heading to Mina. Some details about what each step means are given, but nothing overwhelming or too wordy. The illustrations show what the text means and offer a lot to the understanding, if the concepts are foreign.
“This fun day-by-day guide gives little hajji’s, future pilgrims, and curious learners, a head start, answering all their questions by taking them step-by-step on this once in a lifetime journey to Mecca.
by Elizebath Lymer , illustrated by Kim Reimann (Illustrator), Sandy Quigley (Illustrator)-
We love Elizebeath Lymer books for their rhymes and catchy tunes. This book is good to sing out loud to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It has 12 rhymes that are based unpopular nursery rhymes. You can find the video of this book on YouTube too.
“Hajj Harmonies takes children along a melodious journey through the pillars of Hajj and the Islamic requirements for making pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah. Share the beauty of Hajj with the children in your life through lyrical nursery rhymes and coloring pages.”
It is great for a weekend school.
Hajj Activity Books for Kids
– by Sanyasnain Khan, Goodwords Publication.
Tell Me About Hajj is a good book to use for homeschooling or even learning about Hajj at school as part of Social Studies. It gives a clear and interesting explanation of Hajj. An excellent resource for a teacher to use in the classroom and also for young Muslims tolerant all the details about what is Hajj. I’d recommend it for ages 7 and up.
“The story of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, begins over 4000 years ago when, following the Divine command, the Prophet Ibrahim travelled for a long distance till he reached the hot, barren lands of Arabia. There he left his wife, Hagar, and his little baby, Ismail. The story goes on to tell how Hagar struggled to find water for her baby and how at last the miraculous Zamzam spring came gushing out and saved their lives. This is followed by the great sacrifice of Ibrahim, the building of the Kabah and the call to Hajj. This book explains the importance of the annual pilgrimage—one of the pillars of Islam—with a special focus on the Prophet Muhammad’s Hajj. These exciting historical events are presented in a simple, informative style, with beautiful illustrations, so that young people may understand and enjoy them. This beautifully illustrated book explains the importance of the annual pilgrimage with special focus on Prophet Muhammad’s Hajj (S).”
11. My Hajj Fun Book
By Tahera Kassamali . Published by Goodwords Books
My Hajj Fun Book is an activity book for 7-12 year olds, based on the following themes:
- – Rites of Hajj
- – The Kabah
- – Unity among Muslims
- – Sacrifice
- – Fighting the Shaytan
It has word searches, crosswords and puzzles. The book tries to explain the significance of Hajj – the pilgrimage to Makkah.
I hope you found a Hajj Book that you liked form this list. Let me know if you have know any more favorites.
Need a hands on activity to teach children about Hajj. See our Hajj activity pack.
More Hajj Books – Poetry
12. I am Hajj (I am Series) by Amal Al Aride (Safoo Publications)
A poem picture book to encourage the love and understanding the rituals and practices of Hajj. A book for Muslims and all other faiths to enjoy.
13. I Went for Hajj by Naima B. Roberts
Another pretty book my Naima B. Roberts that is a poem by a girl who has been on Hajj.
“A rhyming book, perfect to read aloud, that gives children a taste of the sacred things pilgrims see and do on the most important trip for Muslims.”
Hajji, hajji, what did you see?
From the plane I saw clouds
And the big, blue sea
Hajji, hajji, what did you wear?
I wore two white sheets
And my head was quite bare.
Hajji, hajji, what did you see?
I saw the great mosque in Makkah
As bright as can be.
Hajj Books on Kindle
14. Elif and Emre Learning Our Religion – Making Hajj (Kindle Edition)
Elif and Emre perform Hajj with their family. They learn wonderful things about making Hajj while they make a tawaf around Kaaba and perform sa’i between Safa and Marwa. They drink zamzam water and climb Mount Arafat. They complete their duties in Mecca,travel to Medina and become hajis all together.
This book is available as a free read on Kindle.
15. The Young Pilgrims (Kindle Edition )
Written by Romana Sharjeel.
“A captivating story about an inquisitive eight years old girl, Maryam, and her fifteen year old sister, Fatima, who are on their way to perform Hajj with their parents. The story will take you through each and every detail of Hajj, and make you feel a part of their emotional and spiritual journey throughout the blessed land of Makkah. ‘The Young Pilgrims’ is a story that will help your child not only learn about the rites and rituals of Hajj in an interesting way, but will also create a spiritual awareness in them to strive for Allah’s pleasure.”
This book is available on Kindle.
New and upcoming Hajj Books
These are some new books that I’ve discovered quite recently.
16. Dhul-Hijjah Adventures with Binyamin and Chester
By Mehreen Tariq (Author), Asbah Alaena (Illustrator), Uzma Ahmad (Contributor)
Now I may be a little excited about this book because it’s illustrated by my good friend Asbah but this is one book that has been just launched on July 5th, 2020.
“Come along and join Binyamin and his quirky crab, Chester as they bring to you Dhul-Hijjah stories that span across different continents, people, landscapes, and a variety of animals. An engagingly adventurous book that comprises of ten stories, ten poems, and forty subject-based activities, encouraging children to do their very best in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. From Blue Dragon to Moose, Pink Pony to Mr. Bear, this super interactive book is packed with different activities that include mazes, ‘How to draw’ sections, Crafts, Islamic aspects, and Educational components. Animal-loving kids are sure to enjoy these pages loaded with fun learning, inspiring them to love and live Islam.”
The book is available on Amazon here.
17. The Green Dinosaur Umbrella
Written by Amina Baniswan and illustrated by Rania Hassan.
I have been very excited about this book ever since I saw someone share icon Instagram but currently I don’t have anyway of ordering it here to Saudi. 🙁
“In this beautifully illustrated, whimsical story, a green dinosaur umbrella travels to Makkah and exchanges hands, helping pilgrims along their journey of Hajj.”
You can learn more about the book here.
18. An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj
Witten by Mariam Hakim and illustrated by Layla Aldubaisi and Hameedah Hamadah.
“An Ocean in One Drop is a children’s picture book retelling the ancient Islamic tale of Hajar’s desert struggle to find water for her infant son. This story is revered by Muslims worldwide and is honoured within the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.”
This book is available on Amazon.
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