A Son's Pilgrimage: Arung Takes Father's Hajj Place After His Passing

Muhammad Najib Arung Petana (30) never imagined he would perform the hajj pilgrimage at such a young age. However, his path seemed predestined after his father died four years ago.

His parents had registered for the hajj in 2013, meaning they were only a few years away from departing for the Holy Land to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

‘At that time, my mother received information that my father’s hajj portion could be transferred to his heir. I then tried to confirm this with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the bank, and it turned out the portion could indeed be transferred,’ Arung said when met at the Millennium Taiba Hotel in Madinah on Saturday (13/6/2026).

The married father of one was initially not fully convinced about performing the pilgrimage, as he was still in a state of mourning. However, his mother persuaded him to accompany her.

‘My mother convinced me that the hajj is a calling, and its paths are many. It can come through sadness or be granted through other means. I then felt that I had indeed been called, that it was my time,’ said the private sector employee who resides in Denpasar, Bali.