Arafah Wukuf Khutbah: The Best Souvenir from Hajj is Taqwa

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian Hajj Amirulhaj and Arafah Wukuf Khateeb Asep Saifuddin Chalim stated that the best souvenir from the Hajj pilgrimage is taqwa and personal transformation into a more beneficial individual for others. During the Wukuf sermon at Arafah Plain on the peak of the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Gregorian Hajj pilgrimage on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Asep urged pilgrims to use the Arafah moment as a path to return to Allah SWT with a purer heart and a life closer to faith-based values. “The best souvenir from Hajj is taqwa, a cleaner heart, a life closer to Allah, and willingness to become a more beneficial person,” Asep told Indonesian pilgrims. He said Arafah Plain teaches that there is no true nobility except taqwa. According to him, wealth, positions, or status do not make someone nobler in the eyes of Allah SWT. “Here, all are present as servants. All seek forgiveness. All hope for Allah’s mercy,” he said. He said a mabrur Hajj is not measured by completing the rituals but by behavioural changes upon returning home. “A mabrur Hajj is a life transformation evident in a softer heart, more consistent worship, more courteous speech, patient and wise attitude, and tangible compassion in life,” he said. Asep also stressed the importance of brotherhood and social compassion learned by pilgrims during Hajj. Millions of Muslims from various nations, he said, are united by tawhid despite differences in language, skin colour, and background. During the event, he also explained the government’s “Tri Sukses Haji” programme: ritual success, Hajj economic ecosystem success, and civilisation and civility success. He said ritual success emphasises performing worship according to sharia guidelines, while Hajj economic ecosystem success aims for trustworthy, transparent management of funds and services that benefit the community’s and nation’s economy. Civilisation and civility success, he added, aims to shape pilgrims who can spread peace and strengthen brotherhood in society. “Hajj does not only shape personal piety but must also strengthen social piety and act as a catalyst for the nation’s civilisation,” he said. He hopes all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims return home with improved self, nobler character, and a spirit of serving others.