Elderly Malaysian pilgrims show grit in stoning ritual
MINA: Under the searing desert sun and through the physically demanding masyair phase of haj, elderly Malaysian pilgrims have shown extraordinary endurance and spiritual resolve, overcoming long distances and physical limitations to complete the stoning ritual at Jamrah Kubra.
The masyair phase, considered the spiritual pinnacle of haj, involves a five-day journey from Arafah to Muzdalifah and Mina, between the 8th and 13th of Zulhijjah.
For the many elderly pilgrims, it is a test of both faith and physical resilience, one they are meeting with quiet determination.
Among them is 78-year-old Asiah Abu Bakar, who completed the ritual after walking nearly 8km to and from her tent in Mina, a journey that took about an hour each way.
'Alhamdulillah, I'm very happy to have completed the stoning of the seven pebbles at Jamrah Kubra. Receiving the call to perform haj was already a great joy, but being able to perform the ritual myself, despite my limitations, is a blessing,' she said to Bernama.
Her daughter Nor Azilah Abdul Shatar, 52, said her mother had spent decades preparing spiritually, from daily Quran recitations to early morning tahajjud prayers, while also saving diligently for the pilgrimage.
'She's been planning for this journey for many years. Alhamdulillah, my family received the call, including my father Abdul Shatar Umar, 81, and my brother Abdul Arif Anuar, 54,' she said.
Also fulfilling a lifelong dream is Yaakob Bador, 79, who finally received his haj quota after nearly 25 years of waiting.
A retired factory worker from Kuala Lumpur, he had painstakingly saved for decades to make the trip.
'I'm just a factory worker, but I prayed and saved for this opportunity for a long time. I hope my haj is mabrur (accepted) and that others will also have the chance to come. I feel so happy to be here,' he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Throughout the ritual, Yaakob was assisted by fellow pilgrim and roommate Mohd Hafeiz Mohd Latiff, 42, who has grown close to the older man during the journey.
Expressing gratitude for the chance to support fellow pilgrims, Mohd Hafeiz said Yaakob had become like a father figure to him during their time together.
'Maybe I couldn't come with my own father, but I treat and help these two like they are my own parents,' he said.
'They're able to walk on their own, but they still need some guidance, someone to show the way.
'I made sure to stay with them and help every step of the journey,' he added.
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