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![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/99zajFviBTWAkrfw3KqEF-WVQNkQvG5OsPhKd4UOqO4.jpeg) PHOTO: ENVATO ***Local pilgrims reflect on their preparations and hopes for a blessed haj*** Haj holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide as it symbolises the ultimate expression of faith, unity, and devotion. This pilgrimage, which takes place annually in the Islamic month of Zulhijjah, is a journey of spiritual renewal and purification. It offers believers the opportunity to cleanse their sins, draw closer to Allah the Almighty, and experience a profound sense of brotherhood with Muslims from diverse backgrounds. Haj also serves as a living reminder of the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his family, reinforcing core Islamic values such as sacrifice, patience, and obedience. Completing haj allows Muslims to meet a sacred duty, deepening their bond with their religious roots while affirming their dedication to Islam. As the fifth pillar of Islam, this pilgrimage is a spiritual milestone that every physically and financially capable Muslim is encouraged to achieve at least once. However, for many, it remains an elusive goal, a journey laden with deep religious meaning and significant logistical hurdles. A group of local haj pilgrims recently had the honour of meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at Istana Nurul Iman during the *Junjung Ziarah*. The *Bulletin* had a chance to speak with some of these pilgrims to find out what fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam this year means to them. They shared their thoughts on the spiritual significance, personal expectations, and sense of community that comes with embarking on the journey. Aliahmad bin Achee, 59, is about to embark on his first haj, a journey made even more meaningful as he will be accompanied by his wife. Aliahmad has been planning for this pilgrimage since 2018, but a long waiting list and the disruptions caused by COVID-19 delayed his dream. Now, he finally has the chance to fulfil this spiritual obligation, marking an important milestone in his life and faith. “We’re grateful to have completed our week-long course, and we hope for a *mabrur* haj,” he said with a sense of anticipation and humility. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/2IgmB15e5_ZjEATt0kOCh-InGVX5udwt-VmFGFF7Kv5.jpeg) Aliahmad bin Awang Achee. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR Authorised agencies offer a range of preparation programmes for haj, including briefings and courses designed to help pilgrims understand and practice the various rituals. These sessions cover key elements of the pilgrimage, such as *sa’ie*, *tawaf*, and the symbolic stoning at Jamarat. Meanwhile, 62-year-old Jinab bin Abdul Karim considers herself fortunate to join her family for her first-ever haj pilgrimage. This new experience is both exciting and challenging, and Jinab is aware of the physical demands. She emphasises the importance of maintaining her health during the pilgrimage, mentioning that she’s been advised to be mindful of her diet and to stay hydrated throughout the journey. Her daughter, Noor Ajreena binti Damit, shares in her mother’s excitement and reveals that the family’s opportunity to perform haj this year came as a pleasant surprise. She expresses gratitude to His Majesty and the government for the chance to fulfil this significant religious duty and hopes that the entire journey will go smoothly for their family. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/iJH9XraLFVUbuKxXBvuFZ-wHaTxO_pQ5_2XHZw8jcDB.jpeg) Jinab bin Abdul Karim and her daughter Noor Ajrina binti Damit. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR Speaking to 24-year-old Muhammad Faishal bin Haji Zakaria, he told the *Bulletin* that he will be performing haj with his family for the first time, an experience that holds special significance for them all. Faishal explained that his preparation involves mental and spiritual readiness to ensure he gains the most from this profound journey. This includes memorising prayers and studying the correct rituals to perform during haj, all in an effort to immerse himself fully in the experience. “I’m grateful that we’ll soon be in Madinah and among the few who are performing haj this year,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to go on this pilgrimage since I first completed my *umrah* in 2019.” ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/u5JEFeIgtpH-ci7O9iimf-uBEdinRbvdhpLNYGGbSQ1.jpeg) Muhammad Faishal bin Haji Zakaria. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR During the *Junjung Ziarah*, a traditional event at Istana Nurul Iman, male pilgrims received a bag containing a white ihram, the sacred garment worn during the haj pilgrimage. Female pilgrims were given a *telekung*, a traditional prayer garment for women. This symbolic distribution marked an important step in preparing for the journey ahead. In total, 1,033 pilgrims attended the* Junjung Ziarah*, comprising 493 males and 540 females, along with administrative staff, medical personnel, and haj service operators. Over four days, from May 23-26, four flights will carry these pilgrims and their support teams to Madinah Al-Munawwarah, where they will begin their spiritual journey. Darussalam Services head of the marketing and events department Hajah Siti Norsyahdina Sabrina binti Haji Sallehuddin revealed that her company will be responsible for 619 of the pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety during this significant event. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/kWdosetaenKslPSqC71mb-OLjvgw5BPhC0j7r08KUeS.jpeg) Darussalam Services personnel in a group photo “Those who are using our services will be given lanyards along with blue uniforms to make it easier to identify our group during haj,” explained Hajah Siti Norsyahdina Sabrina. “The lanyards will include emergency contact numbers, providing a quick way to get assistance if someone gets lost.” She noted that logistical preparations have been ongoing since last year to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has also clarified to the public that only those holding valid haj visas issued by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Haj and Umrah are permitted to join the pilgrimage, reinforcing the strict regulations to manage the large number of visitors. ***– ADIB NOOR***

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