Hajj Program at IAA by Yasmin Nimer

The Islamic Academy of Alabama successfully conducted its tenth annual Journey to Hajj

experience on the eighth of Thul-Hijjah this year.

The IAA tradition of Journey to Hajj began ten years ago when the principal, Br. Ziyad Awad,

was looking for a way to share his amazing Hajj experience with his staff and students. He

proposed the idea in 2007, and that year, the IAA family put together a smaller version of the

Hajj experience complete with a kabah, the hills of Safa and Marwa, and stations to indicate

locations like Mina and Arafat. Br. Ziyad led the students himself on a successful tour of Hajj in

both 2007 and 2008, and from there, a tradition was born.

In 2009, he turned the event over to the IAA Islamic Studies Department while he continued to

play the part of tour guide and avid enthusiast. The Islamic Studies Department improved the

event year after year, involving parents and other volunteers in designing and building props

and turning the event into an indisposable part of the curriculum.

In 2012, as part of an effort to promote student leadership skills, the Islamic Studies teachers

began training high school students to lead the Hajj tours. By studying the rituals, preparing for

their roles, and guiding students and visitors through Hajj every year, IAA high schoolers

continue to follow in the steps of their principal by bringing Hajj to the Birmingham Muslim

community at large.