A 100-year-old man and his 95-year-old wife from Central Aceh are preparing to fulfill a lifelong dream as they embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.
Muhammad Dahlan and his wife Dahniar, residents of Tapak Moge Timur in the Kute Panang subdistrict, will depart on May 20, Jakarta Globe reported.
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Dahlan will be the oldest Hajj pilgrim from Aceh this year. Doctors declared him fit to travel after a recent medical checkup.
“The doctor said there’s nothing wrong. I’m fine,” he said confidently at his home earlier this week.
Remarkably active for his age, Dahlan continues to work on his coffee farm. Both he and Dahniar have participated in every Hajj rehearsal (manasik) and senior wellness program at their local health center in preparation for the journey.
“We are ready, body and soul,” Dahniar said with a smile.
The couple will travel as part of the third Hajj departure group (kloter 3) from the Aceh Embarkation, alongside pilgrims from Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Banda Aceh.
This journey marks their third trip to Makkah, as they have previously completed two Umrah pilgrimages.
Long Waiting List
They registered for Hajj in 2019 following their second Umrah visit. Despite the typically long waiting times, it was a surprise to receive their departure notice this year.
Azhari, head of the Aceh office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, explained that the province received 219 Hajj slots for senior citizens out of a total quota of 4,378.
Officials give priority to elderly pilgrims who have been on the waiting list for over five years, with selection based on age.
“If Muhammad Dahlan had not received this priority slot, he would have had to wait until 2044 to go on Hajj,” Azhari said on Friday.
To support elderly pilgrims, the ministry is providing special accommodations, including ground-floor dormitory rooms and additional care throughout the pilgrimage.
“The departure of Muhammad Dahlan and Dahniar is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to fulfilling the dream of worship in the Holy Land,” Azhari added.
“What makes their journey even more special is that the entire cost of their Hajj is funded by the proceeds of their own coffee farm, which they’ve worked on tirelessly for years.”
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