Covid-19 survivors grateful for haj opportunity after 14-year wait
KULAI: A married couple, both badly affected by Covid-19 during the pandemic, were overcome with gratitude today as they prepared to depart for the haj after 14 years of being on the waiting list.
Rohaya Abdul Kadir, 69, who was once placed in a medically-induced coma for 25 days during the 2020 pandemic, and her husband Hassan Abdul Hamid, 76, who spent 10 days in the intensive care unit due to the virus and asthma, said their journey to the Holy Land felt like a miracle.
The couple were among 142 pilgrims selected under the Johor government-sponsored haj programme's second batch who flew out today.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi attended the send-off ceremony, held at Senai International Airport, here.
"When my husband received the haj call on Feb 20, just before Ramadan, we were shocked and overjoyed. I immediately performed sujud syukur and vowed to fast in gratitude," said Rohaya, her voice breaking.
Although only her husband received the official invitation, Rohaya's application to accompany him was approved, and a benefactor stepped forward to fully sponsor her.
"After surviving Covid-19 and being kept on a ventilator for nearly a month, I never thought I would live nor be granted the opportunity to perform haj," she said.
The couple, from Taman Universiti in Skudai, were surrounded by all eight of their children in the run-up to their departure.
Rohaya, a mortuary assistant since 2017, said her children packed her husband's medication and reminded her to take good care of him throughout the pilgrimage.
"I only pray that Allah grants us strength and good health to be able to complete one of the five pillars in Islam."
Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mekah in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
The other four pillars are the declaration of faith, daily prayers, almsgiving (zakat), and fasting during Ramadan.
Hassan, a former mechanic with the Johor Baru City Council, retired in 2006.
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