PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysian Muslims, the haj pilgrimage is more than a long-awaited spiritual journey.
It is a story of patience, family and unwavering faith, even as the Middle East conflict continues to cast uncertainty over the region.
For Rosazizi Abd Rahim, 63, her opportunity came after 17 years of waiting.
The retired teacher, who registered with Tabung Haji (TH) nearly two decades ago, will finally get to perform the haj with her husband Nasarudin Ahmad, 64.
The long wait, she said, has made the opportunity feel even more precious.
“To say I have no worries at all would not be true, especially with what is happening now.
“I leave everything to Allah with acceptance and trust. My prayer is that every pilgrim from Malaysia and around the world will be blessed with a haj mabrur (a pilgrimage accepted by God) this year,” she said when met at her home in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong yesterday.
Her medication and supplements are ready, while her tudung, shoes and her husband’s kain ihram have already been prepared.
Kain ihram is a piece of unsewn white cloth worn by haj pilgrims to the holy land.
Housewife Wan Nurul Nabihah Wan Md Yusoff, 37, said the pilgrimage will be a rare and beautiful chapter for her family.
She will be performing the haj with six family members, including her husband and mother-in-law.
“Since receiving the offer, so many people have reminded me that haj is about purifying the soul.
“This may be the only chance we will ever get, so we want to give our very best with sincerity because haj is the fifth pillar of Islam for those who are able,” she said.
Although admitting that the ongoing conflict has tested pilgrims mentally and spiritually, she believes faith must remain stronger than fear.
“I pray this conflict will be resolved quickly and will not affect our haj journey. I am also grateful to TH for reassuring us and helping us feel at ease,” she said.
For nurse Rusida Nor, 48, this year’s haj is a story of legacy, gratitude and a mother’s enduring prayers.
Her 18-year-old son Eusoff Azman, the fourth of six siblings, will now continue the family’s path of devotion.
Rusida and her husband Azman Halim, together with two of their children Ahmad Badri and A’dlina, had already performed the haj in 2024, followed by another son a year later.
The family first registered with TH in 2008, and this year it is finally Eusoff’s turn to go.
Rusida said she has advised Eusoff, a former Royal Military College student, to always comply with instructions given by TH officers throughout his time in Mecca and Madinah.
“Preparations are almost complete, although we have not done the final packing yet.
“Eusoff has also submitted his university application forms and will resume his driving licence test after returning from haj.
“As a mother, I am naturally worried about the current situation in the Middle East, so I advised him to put safety first and always stay close with fellow Malaysian pilgrims,” she added.
