KUCHING: For many, Hajj is a journey of faith, whereas for some, it is also a journey through time, marked by decades of waiting, prayer and patience.
As the 1446H/2025 Hajj season begins, Sarawakian pilgrims departing in batches carry with them not only luggage and documents, but also stories of love, hope and sacrifice.
Among them are elderly parents who waited years, children with quiet hopes, and first-timers stepping in with faith.
Nen Abang Mat waited nearly two decades for this moment.
The 75-year-old from Kampung Baru, Kota Samarahan, registered with Tabung Haji (TH) in 2006.
This year, her turn finally came.
“When I found out, I just said thank you, Allah. That was all that I could say.
“I have waited so long,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Despite her age, Nen hopes to complete the pilgrimage on her own two feet.
“Since receiving the offer, I have been praying every day to be able to walk on my own. If I can’t, then my daughter will assist me with the wheelchair,” she added.
Her daughter, Salmiah Sam, 39, was allowed to accompany her as a caretaker.
It was a blessing neither of them expected.
Salmiah shared that her assigned turn for Hajj was in 1501 Hijrah, which falls in the year 2078.
“By then, I would be over 80, but because I’m accompanying my mother, I get to go early. I’m very grateful,” she said.
Salmiah added that she carries her own silent prayer as she prepares for the journey.
“I have a personal wish I’m bringing with me. I hope it’s granted.
“I have been preparing by reading books, memorising prayers, and learning as much as I can,” she said.
For 31-year-old Muhd Zharfan Yaman from Kampung Tabuan Melayu, this journey is a first, and it is not without mixed emotions.
“Alhamdulillah, this is really my turn. My mother registered me in 2009.
“But I’m sad too because my father hasn’t been called up yet,” he shared.
Zharfan has never performed umrah before, and Hajj will be his first time setting foot in Mecca and Madinah.
As such, he said he has been preparing physically, mentally and spiritually.
“I started going to the gym, praying more, and working on myself.
“My hope for this Hajj is to carry out my worship wholeheartedly, and that Allah will bless and accept my journey,” he added.
Each of these pilgrims is part of Sarawak’s 817-strong contingent this year.
The Hajj season is expected to begin on June 4 and run until June 9, subject to moon sightings.
Malaysian pilgrims typically depart several weeks earlier to allow time for orientation, acclimatisation and logistical preparations coordinated by TH and Saudi authorities.
