Returning from Hajj with Debt: The Story of Indonesian Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj has revealed that many pilgrims return from the Holy Land saddled with debt. This was disclosed by Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak on Sunday (21/6). Dahnil recounted a visit he made today to the home of a 2026 Hajj pilgrim in Serdang Bedagai. “Her name is Nek Sania, 72 years old. She is a widow and lives with her child in Serdang Bedagai,” Dahnil said in a written statement. Nek Sania, who works as a laundry worker, departed for Hajj in 2026. She registered to become a pilgrim in 2014 using money given by her children. “When the call to depart came in 2026, Nek Sania borrowed money from many parties so she could go. Ultimately, she departed for Hajj this year, and those debts remain,” he said. Dahnil acknowledged that many people might question why someone would go into debt or force themselves if they are not materially capable. “That common thinking is not wrong. It is correct according to Sharia law, because Hajj is only obligatory for those who are able,” he stated. However, Dahnil noted that this reflects the unique spirit of religiosity in Indonesia. “For them, Hajj is the pinnacle of spiritual perfection, and spirituality often cannot be interpreted solely through Sharia; many also interpret it through essence and even gnosis,” he said. According to Dahnil, not all elements of spirituality can be rationalised. “There are unseen things understood inwardly, just like love; often love cannot be rationalised. Hence the saying ‘Love is Blind’. Mahabatullah, the love and obedience to Allah SWT, is expressed by a Nek Nek Sania by ‘forcing herself to be able to perform Hajj’,” Dahnil explained. Dahnil often distinguishes between those who are financially able to perform Hajj and those who strive to make themselves able, exhausting all lawful efforts even though their obligation is technically waived under Sharia. “However, love for Allah and His Prophet cannot be reduced to mere Sharia rationality,” Dahnil said. Dahnil further stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will collect data on pilgrims trapped in such debt. “Finally, on the instruction of President Prabowo, we are collecting data on Hajj pilgrims like Nek Sania so their burden can be eased,” he concluded.