Hajj Consultant Urges Pilgrims to Focus on Preparation Ahead of Hajj Peak

Do not overexert yourself. Focus on and prioritise the preparations for the series of Hajj rituals from 8 to 13 Zulhijah, particularly in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Asrorun Niam Sholeh, a Hajj Consultant for the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has called upon Indonesian prospective pilgrims to increase their worship, maintain their health, and deepen their understanding of Hajj rituals (manasik) ahead of the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

“Do not simply depart for the Holy Land without equipping yourself with the knowledge of Hajj rituals. This is because Hajj is a specific act of worship (ibadah mahdhah) that must fulfil certain conditions, pillars, and religious provisions,” said Asrorun Niam, who also serves as the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Fatwa, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

Currently, the first wave of Indonesian prospective pilgrims has arrived in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, while the second wave is being departed directly from Indonesia to Makkah.

Asrorun requested that pilgrims increase their dhikr (remembrance of God), munajat (supplication), and congregational prayers while in the Holy Land. For healthy pilgrims intending to pray at Masjidil Haram, he advised utilising available transport facilities while remaining mindful of their physical condition.

He emphasised that all Indonesian pilgrim accommodations are located within the Tanah Haram area, which holds particular spiritual significance, and are not limited solely to the area surrounding Masjidil Haram.

Furthermore, ritual guides have been asked to intensify the provision of practical Hajj jurisprudence (fiqh) to pilgrims, particularly regarding the requirements and pillars of Hajj, obligations to be fulfilled, prohibitions to avoid, and sunnah practices at specific times and locations.

Asrorun Niam also reminded pilgrims of the importance of maintaining physical fitness ahead of the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to him, the Hajj pilgrimage is not only a spiritual worship (ruhaniyah) but also a physical worship (jasmaniyah) that requires physical fitness, as well as a financial worship (maliyah) that requires financial readiness.

He also invited pilgrims to pray for the smooth execution of the Hajj pilgrimage, the safety of their families, and the peace and prosperity of the Indonesian nation.

“Do not forget to pray for the President and the leaders of the country, so that they may lead and build the Indonesian nation with justice and wisdom,” said Asrorun Niam.