Mecca – The Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) urges all Indonesian pilgrims to focus on preparing for the peak Hajj pilgrimage through the series of Armuzna (Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina).

In a press statement issued in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it was emphasized that worship in these three locations must be performed with full concentration as part of the obligatory rituals to ensure pilgrims complete the peak of Hajj worship well, with hopes of a successful pilgrimage.

Why focus? According to the Secretary General, the series of Hajj rituals in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina is the most challenging stage of Hajj. This sequence of worship also distinguishes Hajj from Umrah.

These three locations are often referred to as critical points in the obligatory Hajj activities, as they exhaust both physical and mental energy. It is not uncommon for pilgrims to fall ill from fatigue during or after the process.

«We hope that during Armuzna, pilgrims remain vigilant so they do not fall ill or get separated from their group, which would create difficulties for officials in locating them,» said the MUI Secretary General.

All pilgrims must focus on preparation, from intentions to practical arrangements, including: first, paying attention to the worship process as pilgrims begin moving toward Arafat on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

They should prepare all necessities for smooth worship: Ihram clothing, belts, identification bracelets, maktab bracelets, and other documents.

Second, pilgrim passport bags must not be forgotten. These bags should contain medical records, prayer books, wallets, as well as medicine and sufficient multivitamins.

Third, each pilgrim should carry bags that can hold various items, such as spare shirts, extra Ihram cloth, communication devices, and a Quran.

Successful Hajj

The MUI Secretary General also expressed the belief that the presence of Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land should bring peace and security to society and the nation in the future, as they carry the values of a successful Hajj.

As narrated by the companion Jabir bin Abdullah RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: «A successful Hajj has no reward other than Paradise.» The companion then asked: «O Messenger of Allah, what constitutes success?» The Prophet Muhammad SAW replied: «Feeding others and speaking good words.»

According to the Secretary General, the hadith mentions two traits of a successful Hajj as taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW: feeding others and always speaking good words.

Therefore, if 221,000 pilgrims depart from Indonesia each year, this represents a tremendous potential to influence peace within society and the nation in the future.

This means that, at the very least, every year the country will see «new individuals» ready for reconciliation and prosperity—people with high social awareness and sensitivity, as well as those who think and act wisely, politely, and calmly.

Thus, the more people perform Hajj, the greater the likelihood of Indonesia having individuals marked by a successful Hajj, making it easier for the country to overcome multidimensional crises, whether moral, economic, political, or cultural.

«We await the presence and actions of successful Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia to bring prosperity and peace to the national life of our beloved republic,» said the Secretary General, accompanying the Deputy Amirul Hajj of Indonesia, who is also the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.

Regarding the pilgrimage itself, the Deputy Amirul Hajj expressed gratitude that no complaints have been received so far, such as regarding pilgrims’ flights.

«This year, Hajj flights have been even more punctual than last year,» said the Deputy after meeting with Indonesian pilgrims in Mecca.

During the meeting, pilgrims were also urged to maintain their health, especially during their stay in Arafat.

Mecca

Mecca, located in Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is home to the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure at the center of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), which Muslims face during prayer. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca for Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a tradition dating back to the 7th century.

Arafat

Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), is a granite hill in Saudi Arabia near Mecca, central to the Hajj pilgrimage. It is where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon in 632 CE, and pilgrims gather here on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in a ritual called Wuquf, a key part of Hajj. The site symbolizes unity, repentance, and spiritual renewal in Islam.

Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah is an open area near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and a key site in the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims spend the night there between the 9th and 10th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, gathering pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina. Historically, it is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) paused during his farewell pilgrimage, solidifying its significance in Islamic tradition.

Mina

Mina is a valley located near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is an important site in the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. During Hajj, pilgrims stay in Mina to perform rituals, including the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat bridges. Historically, Mina has been a stopping point for pilgrims since the time of the Prophet Muhammad and is deeply tied to Islamic traditions.

Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), established in 1975, is the country’s top Islamic clerical body, serving as an advisory institution for the government and Muslims on religious matters. Comprising scholars, leaders, and organizations, it issues fatwas (religious edicts) and promotes Islamic teachings while addressing contemporary issues. MUI plays a significant role in shaping religious policies and maintaining harmony among Indonesia’s diverse Muslim communities.

Holy Land

The **Holy Land** is a region in the Middle East, primarily located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, holding profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It includes sacred sites such as Jerusalem (home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque), Bethlehem, and Nazareth. Throughout history, it has been a center of pilgrimage, conflict, and cultural exchange, shaped by ancient civilizations, biblical events, and centuries of conquests.

Prophet Muhammad SAW

Prophet Muhammad SAW (Peace Be Upon Him) is the final prophet in Islam, revered by Muslims as the messenger of Allah who delivered the Quran. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, he founded Islam and united Arabia under the faith before passing away in Medina in 632 CE. His life, teachings (Sunnah), and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina remain central to Islamic culture and worship.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising over 17,000 islands, and is known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. Historically, it was influenced by Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit, later becoming a major hub of trade and Islam before Dutch colonization in the 17th century. Today, it is a thriving multicultural nation with UNESCO sites like Borobudur Temple and Komodo National Park.