Anis Diyah's Account: Performing Proxy Hajj for Mr Firdaus as if for Her Father

Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has confirmed that all religious rites for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who passed away before the Wuquf ceremony at Arafah have been fulfilled. These rites will be carried out through the badal haji (proxy Hajj) scheme.

One of the deceased pilgrims for whom a proxy Hajj was performed was the late Muhammad Firdaus Akhlan, a member of flight group (kloter) JKG 27. Anis Diyah Puspita, Head of the Airport Work Area’s Worship Guidance Section, was directly appointed as the proxy performer for the late man.

Kemenhaj affirmed that this religious protection process is conducted professionally and in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).

Anis Diyah expressed both emotion and a sense of great responsibility upon being appointed as the proxy for the late Firdaus. She viewed his journey as an extraordinary testament to perseverance.

“Mr Firdaus Akhlan’s sacrifice in performing Hajj at an advanced age, amidst immense struggle, was profound,” Anis said on Saturday (30 May).

Anis recounted receiving an official directive from the Deputy Director of Worship Guidance (Bimbad) of the Indonesian Hajj Pilgrimage Mission (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia to act as proxy for the Jakarta South resident. Initially, she did not realise the identity of the deceased was the subject of public discussion.

Upon realising this, she felt a mix of emotions when recalling Firdaus’s arduous journey to the Holy Land.

“When I realised the name was Mr Firdaus Akhlan, the man the media reported as missing, I must admit I felt a chill,” Anis said.

Anis said she deeply empathised with the late man’s dedication during his time in the Holy Land, which motivated her to perform the rites with utmost care as if for her own family.

“Once I knew it was him, and considering his struggles during this Hajj season, I felt as if I were performing the proxy rites for my own father and family. This trust is immense, truly extraordinary,” she said.

Anis explained that the badal haji process follows the standard Hajj steps, including ihram intention, Wuquf, Tawaf Ifadah, and stoning the Jamarat.

“The only difference is that the intention is specifically for him,” she added.

During each ritual, especially at auspicious times and places, Anis continuously prayed for the late Firdaus and his descendants. She urged others to join in praying that his deeds be accepted by Allah.

“We pray his status is elevated by Allah, his grave is widened, and the rewards from his worldly deeds continue to flow as ongoing charity, particularly his role in raising his children and family,” Anis said.