24 ideas for simple pre-Eid-ul-Adha planning

While time is running out as the month of zil hajj is almost upon us, you can still come up with a plan for Eid-ul-Adha and prepare for it beforehand. Here are some ideas.

1. Talk it out with everyone

Make a specific Eid plan TODAY. Sit with the family and discuss what you will do on Eid day. Plan things step by step. Where will you go to do Eid prayers, where will you go afterwards or will you first go to the local farm to sacrifice an animal (see point number 3)? Get everyone involved and listen to all suggestions.

2. Dress for success

In most Muslim countries Eid is a time for buying new clothing. Spring is almost here, it's time to get rid of the heavy winter clothing and exchange it for lighter apparel. Make it a point to shop for Eid clothes and some new items as well.

3. Talk about Zabiha and arrange to do it

Eid-ul-Adha is a time to go on farm to sacrifice an animal for the sake of Allah, distribute its meat and to talk about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)'s sacrifice. Remember to stress that it was Ismail (Ishmael) who was the son meant to be sacrificed, not Ishaq (Isaac) as Bible says.

Arrange to go to a farm and sacrifice an animal.

4. Remember Hajj

Talk about Hajj during a family story night. Recount the memories of your experience or that of other family members. Also, discuss as a family when you want to go for Hajj or Umra. Be concrete. Don't say someday. Make a formal target.

5. Tell the story of Hajira and Hajj

On Hajj day talk about why millions of Muslims run between Safa and Marwa.

6. Have a Hajj competition

Have an open book competition in your home about Hajj and Prophet Ibrahim with prizes for all participants.

7. Make arrangements to meet someone really important

Take your children to see receive a person who has completed their Hajj (often called a "Hajji") when s/he comes back. Call relatives or friends of the Hajji-to-be now to find out when they are coming back, at which airport, time, etc.

8. "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar...."

Involve the kids, especially the younger ones, in loud Takbirat while going and returning from the Eid Prayer.

9. Watch Adam learn out about Hajj

For children ages 2 to 8 "Take Me to the Kaba" is an excellent video choice on or before Eid. Many public schools show this fourth episode of Adam's World in their schools.

10. Check out the Hajj experience in multimedia format

For ages 8 and up, software like the Hajj & Umra CD-Rom might provide some new information. It also includes a game.

As well, for a personal experience of Hajj on video, check out Muslim American Michael Wolfe's Hajj experience.

11. Cool gift ideas

Give out a gift of any of the above items if you don't already own them.

12. For the family's study circle

For the collective family study circle verses from the Quran about Hajj and Prophet Ibrahim.

13. Talk about Prophet Ibrahim during story time

For your children's bedtime story, tell them about Prophet Ibrahim. Also please check out our set of story books for kids on the Prophets, which includes the story of Prophet Ibrahim.

14. Share Eid with the family and neighbors

Have two Eid dinners: one for the family on Eid day and one with neighbors. Or maybe you just want to share some dishes on Eid with your neighbors.

15. Take the car out for a...

Family trip to some place of enjoyment. Sing Eid songs in the car on the way, eat and stop in between for prayers. Make this the family's first long drive after winter.

16. Make your Eid one with real entertainment

Please avoid TV or movies on Eid break. Eid is family and fun time, and you don't necessarily need films or television to have a good time. Check out our unTV guide for some interesting information on television, in specific.

17. Decorate the home for Eid

There's nothing wrong with decorating the home for Eid. It'll help liven up the atmosphere. Use balloons, banners, streamers, lights, and more.

18. Get everyone involved in a school presentation on aspects of Hajj

The whole family can get involved in preparing a school presentation about the Hajj, Prophet Ibrahim, the Kaba, or Eid.

You would be surprised at how many Muslims don't know how central Prophet Ibrahim is to Islam.

19. Give gifts generously-give an Eidee

In some parts of the Muslim world a small amount of money is given to children as Eidee. You can do that or give a small present. Please avoid the commercialism (and please check out one perspective on why Eid gifts are better than Eidees)

20. Encourage the kids to make handmade gifts

Why not help children make gifts for one another? Not only is this inexpensive, handmade gifts tend to come from the heart, more than the wallet.

21. Start a family project

Why not mark Eid-ul-Adha with a new family project? For example, start of a family library. Discuss the issue practically: how many books, which kinds, budget, where will the library be set up in the home, etc.

22. Share with needy kids

During Eid-ul-Adha, children in need must be remembered by sharing something with them. Encourage a family donation from each member for needy children in a specific part of the world.

23. Discuss the Eid day menu

If you are the family member responsible for preparing the food on Eid day, consult other members of the family. Consultation may help you involve them in preparation and cleanup as well.

24. Hug your brother, hug your sister

At the place where Eid prayer is held, a lot of hugging goes. You will find some Muslims standing alone. They are either new Muslims or new immigrants without relatives and friends. Do hug them and greet them. If possible invite them to your home for a meal. Also inform them of any planned Eid celebrations at any community center.

Have a great Eid everyone. May Allah bless you with more and the best of this world and the real best in the everlasting life.