Diyanet’s ‘Children’s Group’ in Mecca comforts parents of pilgrims

A total of 48 children benefited from the ‘Child Group’ project created by the Presidency of Religious Affairs for parents who come with their children for the duty of Hajj within two years. During the Hajj worship lasting up to 40 days, various activities such as Quranic education, siyer, coloring, painting activities, and intelligence games are organized for the children of prospective parents. With the support of the President of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbaş, the project aims to support children of Hajj candidates during their worship. Within the scope of the project implemented to provide support to children of Hajj candidates, both a play area and an activity area are created in the hotel where they stay. Experienced staff in child education participate in the project, aiming to teach the requirements of Islam and the beauties of worship to children in an enjoyable way. Special programs for children are also organized for Umrah worship, circumambulation, and Arafat within the framework of activities carried out upon families’ request. In the project where children have a pleasant time, children with parents on Hajj duty also perform their worship comfortably and peacefully. Erdinç Baykuşak, who came from Diyarbakır for the duty of Hajj, stated that they are in a 40-day program, ‘Children came to the mosque comfortably with us in Medina. However, conditions changed a bit more in Mecca. When the intensity and hardship of Ihram, circumambulation, traffic, and worship increased, the children started to have difficulties. We provide relaxation for our children by leaving them in the special area at Dar’ül Hadi Hotel on certain days of the week,’ he said. The project launched by the Presidency of Religious Affairs last year receives positive feedback from Hajj candidates in its second year. From the project, which was utilized by 24 children in the Hajj season of 2023, it is anticipated that 24 children will also benefit from it this year.