Brebes Elderly Hajj Pilgrims Forced to Delegate Aqabah Stoning Due to Arafah-Mina Trek
After the wukuf at Arafah on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1444H or Tuesday (26/5), millions of Hajj pilgrims worldwide in the Holy Land, Saudi Arabia, proceeded to the next stage today, Wednesday (27/5): performing the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah in Mina by throwing seven pebbles at the pillar.
Indonesian pilgrims, including those from Brebes Regency in Central Java, also carried out this ritual. However, due to the lengthy two-hour walk from Arafah to Mina, some elderly pilgrims were forced to remain in their tents and have their stoning duties delegated.
The two-hour journey is no short trek, especially for elderly pilgrims walking under the scorching sun reaching 43 degrees Celsius.
“Elderly and physically unable pilgrims stay in their tents at Arafah and are represented by relatives or officials who carry out the ritual on their behalf,” said Azmi Asmuni, General Hajj Officer of Brebes Regency, in an official statement received by Media Indonesia from the Holy Land on Wednesday (27/5).
Azmi Asmuni explained that pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah for overnight stay (mabit), where they collect the pebbles used for stoning in Mina. The mabit is conducted in simple conditions, reflecting humility and steadfastness in performing the pilgrimage.
“Pilgrims perform the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah in Mina by throwing seven pebbles at the pillar. This symbolises resistance against Satan’s temptations, emulating Prophet Ibrahim’s trial of faith,” Azmi Asmuni added.
According to Azmi Asmuni, after the stoning, pilgrims perform tahallul awal by shaving or cutting a portion of their hair.
“This stage signifies the lifting of some restrictions of ihram, except for marital relations and marriage contracts,” he concluded.
It is known that 1,295 Hajj pilgrims from Brebes Regency departed for the Holy Land in the 2026 Hajj season. The Brebes Hajj quota this year increased significantly by 236 pilgrims compared to last year.
Hajj and Umrah Ministry Spokesperson Maria Assegaff stated that all movement stages are proceeding according to the operational plan. She explained that all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims had moved to Arafah since Monday (25/5) at 07:00 Saudi time.
The Hajj and Umrah Minister stated that the Saudi government hopes Indonesia’s Hajj service quality can be maintained and improved in the coming years.
DPR RI Oversight Team Member for 2026 Hajj, Nurdin Halid, urged the optimal utilisation of Indonesian food products for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims’ consumption.