Kiai Lirboyo: If Performed Properly, Hajj Will Eliminate Poverty

The caretaker of the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, East Java, KH Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus, has stated that the organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage for 1447 H/2026 M was better than in previous years. Nevertheless, the Musyrif Diny for the Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia noted that minor issues still need improvement in the future, particularly during the peak of the Hajj at Armuzna.

“This year, God willing, the Hajj is better than in previous years by the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala,” said Kiai Kafa, as he is affectionately known, upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday.

He explained that the Hajj is a worship performed by diverse groups of Muslims from around the world to demonstrate that Islam teaches unity and peace for all mankind. “Alhamdulillah, this year’s Hajj was better, with no major obstacles, although minor issues certainly existed, such as at Arafah and Mina, which were under the full control of the Minister of Hajj,” he said.

He further emphasised that the Hajj pilgrimage is not a recreational holiday but an act of worship performed based on Islamic teachings. If the Hajj is carried out according to sharia, then the pilgrims will achieve a mabrur (accepted) Hajj. “If the Hajj is performed correctly, it will benefit the pilgrim and be accepted by Allah, then the Hajj will eliminate poverty,” he said.

“Secondly, a pilgrim is granted a good end (husnul khatimah) by Allah, and thirdly, a pilgrim will become a better person. Hopefully, this year’s Hajj is mabrur and maqbul (accepted). If the Hajj is mabrur and maqbul, the person’s social conduct, worship, and other aspects will improve,” explained Kiai Kafa.

The arrival of Kiai Kafa and the Musyrif Diny team was greeted directly by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Mohamad Irfan Yusuf, known as Gus Irfan. According to Gus Irfan, the kiai and ulama were tasked with ensuring that the entire implementation of the Indonesian pilgrims’ Hajj rituals proceeded in accordance with sharia provisions.

Gus Irfan stated that the ulama who form the Musyrif Diny play a crucial role in overseeing the execution of the Hajj rituals to ensure they comply with religious rules.