Happiness and thankfulness as Indonesian pilgrims start their Hajj this year

 Happiness and thankfulness as Indonesian pilgrims start their Hajj this year

JAKARTA: When M. Andra Rachmanda arrived in Madinah at the beginning of June, he was overtaken with emotion as he realised a lifetime desire of performing the Hajj.


Rachmanda is one of 241,000 Indonesians who are carrying out the one of Islam's five pillars this year: the pilgrimage.

"When I first came in Saudi Arabia, I experienced a mixture of surprise, happiness, and humility. Rachmanda told Arab News, "The atmosphere has a deep spiritual aura, and the air feels different here."

"I was extremely moved and appreciative when I eventually went to places of worship like Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah. I was moved and thought it was a dream come true when I first laid eyes on the Kaaba.”

Travellers from Indonesia began arriving in Saudi Arabia in mid-May, leaving earlier to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do their religious duty, even though the Hajj is scheduled to begin on June 14.


"I'm incredibly appreciative and honoured to have the opportunity to travel to Hajj this year. I have been waiting for this vacation my entire life, so being able to do it is truly a joy," Rachmanda remarked.

In addition, he expressed gratitude for the assistance and kindness he had experienced in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabian police are amiable and willing to assist. Our comfort as Hajj pilgrims is ensured by the excellent quality of all the facilities. This enables me to concentrate on a sombre and calm worship," he continued.


Rachmanda aspires to improve his relationships with Muslims worldwide and broaden his knowledge of Islam via his travels.

"I'm hoping that going on this spiritual trip would improve my life. When I get back home, I want to improve myself and grow in my faith and piety in God," he remarked. "I pray that my family and those closest to me will receive many blessings from this journey as well."

Paramita Mentari Kesuma arrived in Makkah on June 3 and her spiritual journey has been profound and contemplative thus far.


When she visited the mosques, she was made to feel quite welcome and met many other international pilgrims with whom she conversed about stories, food, and knowledge.

Referring to the custom of going on a spiritual retreat in a mosque, Kesuma told Arab News, "I can meet with like-minded people when I go for i'tikaf or prayers at the mosque, which allows me to truly enjoy a solemn worshipping experience."

"One of the numerous joys I've encountered this Hajj season is the abundance of refreshments the Saudis have provided for those performing i'tikaf at Masjid Al-Haram, including dates, bread, and juices. I pray that God will repay their generosity.


Kesuma, like a lot of pilgrims, has been posting her thoughts and experiences on social media to share with loved ones and to preserve for herself.

Especially after a protracted wait that was further postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, she is bursting with thankfulness.

"I'm definitely feeling really joyful right now. Kesuma prayed, "May Allah grant us ease and smoothness in our intention to worship in order to fulfil His call."

We feel that this chance is a calling and an invitation from God, and for that reason, I am sincerely thankful and delighted to have received it. God's will is the source of everything.

Source arabnews.com