SANTRI EN, Jakarta – The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage is fast approaching, the Indonesian ministry of religious affairs Kemenag RI’s efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of elderly hajj pilgrims.
H. Ishfah Abidal Aziz, Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, explained that the Indonesian government is committed to realizing religious moderation in the context of the Hajj pilgrimage.
One of its main focuses is to ensure that elderly pilgrims and those at high risk (risti) receive special attention in performing the Hajj rituals.
“Fiqih taysir ensures that the series of Hajj rituals can be completed with ease, especially for elderly pilgrims, risti, and pilgrims with special needs,” said Ishfah Abidal Aziz during the Technical Guidance (Bimtek) agenda for the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia or hajj officers for the central level of 1445 H/2024 M at the Hajj Dormitory, Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, Thursday (21/3/2024) evening.
The Indonesian government emphasizes that the principles of fiqih taysir applied do not diminish the essence of the Hajj pilgrimage but rather provide convenience in fulfilling its requirements.
One example is in the stoning of the pillars (rami). Ishfah Abidal Aziz explained that for elderly and risti pilgrims, stoning the jamarat al-aqabah can be delegated due to its physical demands. This is a form of convenience provided to ensure that these pilgrims can still perform the Hajj smoothly.
Moreover, when performing the tawaf al-ifadah after stoning the pillars, pilgrims are also given more flexible time.
“There is no obligation to move to Masjid al-Haram immediately after stoning the jamarat al-aqabah. There is other time that can be used for tawaf al-ifadah,” Ishfah Abidal Aziz clarified.
MoRA also emphasizes the importance of the orientation of hajj officers aimed at providing convenience for elderly pilgrims, risti, and those with special needs.
Therefore, as information, MoRA has set the slogan “Elderly-Friendly Hajj” for the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024.
Responding to this, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Drs. H. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, affirmed that the Indonesian government is committed to providing the best service to all pilgrims, including the elderly and those at high health risks.
“I understand how important it is to maintain the welfare and comfort of pilgrims, especially those classified as elderly. Therefore, we continue to make various efforts to ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage can be carried out smoothly and safely for all pilgrims,” said the Minister of Religious Affairs.
Additionally, MoRA is actively conducting socialization and education for pilgrims about the procedures and practices of the Hajj pilgrimage in accordance with fiqih taysir.
This is done to ensure that pilgrims understand well the conveniences provided during the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024.
MoRA has also taken concrete steps to ensure that facilities along the Hajj journey and in sacred places in Saudi Arabia can be easily accessed by elderly pilgrims and those with physical limitations.
This includes improving accessibility, such as ramps and other facilities that facilitate the movement of pilgrims with limited mobility.
The Indonesian government is also collaborating with relevant parties, including Saudi Arabian authorities, to provide adequate medical services during the Hajj pilgrimage. This includes providing elderly-friendly healthcare facilities equipped with necessary medical equipment.
Furthermore, MoRA also pays special attention to the psychosocial aspects of pilgrims, especially the elderly. Companion programs and psychological counseling are provided to provide mental and emotional support to pilgrims in facing challenges during the pilgrimage journey.
In efforts to realize the Elderly-Friendly Hajj, MoRA also promotes safety and security campaigns for pilgrims, including education on accident prevention and emergency measures to be taken in situations requiring assistance.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Drs. H. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, affirmed that all of these efforts are carried out with the primary goal of ensuring the welfare and safety of pilgrims, especially the elderly.
“We understand the great responsibility we have in serving pilgrims. Therefore, we are committed to continuously improving the quality of services and ensuring that all pilgrims can perform the Hajj pilgrimage peacefully and devoutly,” he said.
With these efforts, it is hoped that the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 will be a memorable experience and provide profound spiritual benefits to all pilgrims, including the elderly and those with physical limitations.
All parties, both the government and the public, are expected to actively contribute to supporting the smooth and successful implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
