Sohaba School, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, organised a Mock Hajj exercise in a remarkable display of practical religious education aimed at giving students a firsthand understanding of one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.
The educational exercise was designed to familiarise students with the spiritual significance, rituals, and stages of Hajj — the holy pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the five pillars of Islam.
The event reflected the school’s commitment to combining academic excellence with strong Islamic values and moral upbringing.
Students participated in a carefully coordinated re-enactment of the Hajj rites, moving through the various stages that pilgrims undertake during the sacred journey.
The exercise included Ihram (state of purity), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i between Safa and Marwah seven times, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamarat (symbolic stoning), the final Tawaf, Zamzam, and Eid rituals.
The atmosphere was educational and reflective as students demonstrated enthusiasm while learning the spiritual meanings attached to each stage of the pilgrimage.
The Proprietress of Sohaba School, Mrs. Risqat Abdulquadri, emphasised that the exercise was created to help students understand the true meaning of Hajj beyond the celebrations commonly associated with Eid.
According to her, Hajj remains one of Islam’s five pillars and represents a journey of obedience, sacrifice, and faith rooted in the history of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
She explained that the pilgrimage retraces the experiences of Prophet Ibrahim and his family in fulfilment of Allah’s command, noting that acts such as the movement between Safa and Marwah remind Muslims of the perseverance and devotion demonstrated during those historic events.
Mrs. Abdulquadri stated that Hajj teaches worship through action and sacrifice rather than words alone.
She noted that while many people often associate the season with festivities and the slaughtering of rams, the deeper lesson lies in total submission to Allah’s will and remaining steadfast during periods of trial and testing.
“It is more than meat and celebration. Worship requires action, sacrifice, and faith. Every believer will face tests, and what matters is remaining steadfast and obedient to Allah,” she said.
During an interview with INN the Principal of Sohaba Secondary School, Mr. Ayinde P.O., explained that the programme was organised to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Hajj from an early age.
He said the initiative aligns with Islamic teachings and the call of Prophet Muhammad for believers to answer the call of their Lord.
According to him, many people undertake the pilgrimage without fully understanding the rites and their meanings, adding that Sohaba School seeks to close that gap through practical teaching.
“Our goal is to ensure that when our students eventually perform Hajj, they already possess the knowledge and understanding required. We are not only teaching children but also educating teachers and everyone associated with the school on the complete process of Hajj — from beginning to end,” he said.
Mr. Ayinde added that students are also introduced to the prayers, recitations, and conduct expected at different stages of the pilgrimage.
Parents and members of the school community were present to witness the exercise and commended the initiative for exposing children to practical Islamic teachings at an early stage.
Chairman of the Parents Forum, Lion Ishola Oladimeji, praised the school’s management for its dedication to shaping students beyond academics.
He commended the institution for passing down valuable religious knowledge and nurturing students to become responsible individuals who will contribute positively to society.
The Mock Hajj programme concluded with positive feedback from students many of whom described the initiative as an innovative approach to faith-based education that strengthens them spiritually while complementing their academic development.
The event reinforced Sohaba School’s vision of raising students who are academically sound, morally upright, and grounded in Islamic teachings.
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