Mecca – Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Buya Amirsyah Tambunan invites all Indonesian pilgrims to focus on preparing for the peak pilgrimage journey through the Armuzna series (Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina).
A press statement from the MUI Secretary General released in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday (3/6/2025) mentioned that worship at these three places must be carried out with focus as part of the obligatory activities, so that pilgrims can complete the peak of hajj worship well, with the hope of becoming a successful hajj.
Why focus? According to Buya Amirsyah, the hajj ritual series at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina is the most challenging phase during hajj. This series of worship also differentiates between hajj and umrah.
These three places are often referred to as crucial points in the mandatory hajj activities, as in these three places all physical and mental energy will be exhausted, which is why it’s not uncommon for pilgrims to fall ill from fatigue after or during the process.
“We hope that during Armuzna, there should be anticipation so that pilgrims do not get sick or stray from the group, causing difficulties for officials in finding them,” said the MUI Secretary General.
All pilgrims must focus, from intention to field practice with preparations including; first, paying attention to the worship process, where pilgrims will begin moving towards Arafat on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
They must prepare necessities to ensure the smooth worship such as ihram clothes, belts, identity bracelets, maktab bracelets, and other identities.
Second, pilgrims’ passport bags must not be left behind. These bags can be filled with health cards, prayer books, wallets, and medications and sufficient multivitamins.
Third, each pilgrim must bring carrying bags that can be filled with various items such as koko shirts and spare clothes, spare ihram cloth, communication tools, and it’s necessary to bring the Qur’an.
Successful Hajj
The MUI Secretary General also expressed that the presence of Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land is expected to bring peace and safety to the community and the nation in the future, as they are bringing the values of a successful hajj.
It is mentioned, from the companion Jabir bin Abdillah RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “A successful hajj has no reward but paradise.” Then the companion asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the (sign) of success?” The Prophet Muhammad SAW replied, “Feeding others and speaking good words.” (Narrated by Ahmad, At-Thabrani, and Al-Baihaqi).
According to Buya Amirsyah, the hadith states two characteristics and traits of a successful hajj as bequeathed by the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which a hajj must fulfill, namely feeding others and always speaking with good words.
Therefore, he continued, if it is assumed each year there are 221 thousand pilgrims from Indonesia, it is a tremendous potential for influence for peace among the community and the nation in the future.
This means at least every year there will be “new people” in this country ready to undertake activities that are conciliatory and prosperous, that is, people with high social awareness and sensitivity as well as those who think and act wisely, politely, and coolly.
Thus, the more people go on hajj, the greater the possibility of Indonesia having individuals labeled as successful hajj, making it easier for this country to escape the shackles of multi-dimensional crises, whether moral, economic, political, or cultural crises.
“Let’s await the presence and actions of successful hajj in Indonesia to bring prosperity and peace to national life in our beloved Republic,” said Buya Amirsyah, accompanying the Deputy Amirul Hajj of Indonesia, who is also the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs (Wamenag), Romo Muhammad Syafii.
Regarding the pilgrimage journey itself, the Deputy Amirul Hajj expressed gratitude that until now they have not received any complaints, for example regarding the flight issues of hajj pilgrims.
“This year’s hajj flights are even more on time compared to last year,” said Syafii when confirmed by media after a meeting with Indonesian pilgrims in Mecca, Sunday (1/6/202).
During the meeting with the Indonesian hajj pilgrims in Mecca, Romo Syafii also invited all pilgrims to maintain their health, especially approaching their stay in Arafat.
In that meeting, Romo Syafii was accompanied by several members of Amirul Hajj, including Muhadjir Effendy (Special Advisor to President Prabowo Subianto on Hajj Affairs) and Buya Amirsyah Tambunan.(**)
