Two Siblings Replace Parents on Hajj Pilgrimage

Last year’s Eid al-Fitr marked the final celebration for Dona Putra, 32, and his two siblings alongside their parents. They lost both role models within the same year; shortly after the passing of their father, their mother passed away only two months later. In a short period, Dona and his siblings lost the two figures who had always been their sanctuary.

Amidst this grief, an obligation emerged that they never imagined would arrive so soon. Dona Putra and his elder brother, Doni, were destined to be part of the 14th Hajj group from the Padang embarkation, originating from Limapuluh Kota Regency. Their parents had been on the Hajj waiting list since 201 . However, fate had other plans, and both passed away before their departure date arrived.

“Initially, there was sadness. We are departing to replace our parents who are no longer with us. But the two of us have strengthened our intention, hoping that the Hajj we perform will bring goodness to the late deceased,” he said on Saturday (20/6).

At 32, Dona never imagined he would depart for Hajj so soon. Alongside his brother, he received the transfer of their parents’ Hajj quotas. However, accepting this responsibility did not mean all problems were resolved. Once the transfer process began, they faced another reality: the need to prepare the final payment costs immediately. At that time, Dona and his family had no idea where the funds for the final payment would come from.

“We initially thought perhaps only one of us could go because the source of the final payment was unclear. But we continued to strive and pray,” he recalled.

That hope eventually grew from the orchard that had long been the family’s livelihood. Since their parents’ passing, the elder brother chose to continue the family business by managing citrus orchards and rice fields in their hometown in Bukit Barisan District, Limapuluh Kota Regency. No one expected that, approaching the Hajj payment period, the harvest would exceed all expectations. Initially, the family estimated a harvest of around 500 kilograms, but when harvest season arrived, the yield reached two to three times the original estimate.

For this family, the harvest was more than just an agricultural result; it was the path that provided the opportunity for the two siblings to settle the Hajj costs and depart together in place of their parents.

“Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed by Allah. It was from the orchard’s proceeds that the final payment could be made,” he said.

While his brother remained to manage the family orchard, Dona had to make a different decision. To fulfil this obligation, he chose to resign from his position as an employee at an application company in Dharmasraya. He noted that the length of the Hajj pilgrimage made it difficult to obtain leave from his employer.

“After the recent Eid, I decided to resign. Because the Hajj period is quite long, it was not possible to take such extended leave,” he said.

This decision was not easy. However, for him, the opportunity to replace his parents in performing the Hajj pilgrimage was a responsibility that would not come twice. Now, having finally arrived in the Holy Land with his brother, his emotions remain mixed. There is gratitude for being able to answer the call of Allah, but also a longing for his parents, who had long desired this journey. His mother, during her lifetime, often asked when their Hajj departure schedule would be.

“My feelings are mixed. There is sadness because we are replacing our parents. Especially since my mother often asked when we would depart for Hajj. But Alhamdulillah, we were finally able to fulfil this mandate,” he remarked.

Among the millions of pilgrims who visit the Holy Land every year, the journey of Dona and his brother may be just one of many stories. However, for them, this year’s Hajj is not merely a spiritual journey; it is a journey to complete the unfulfilled hopes of their late father and mother.