First-time pilgrim Haji Abdullah bin Haji Ahad, 60, from Mukim Berakas, shared his reflections on the memorable and challenging journey to the holy land as the third returning flight carrying 252 Brunei haj pilgrims arrived Wednesday morning via Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) flight BI 4226.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Haji Abdullah described the pilgrimage as both challenging and deeply fulfilling. “Alhamdulillah, the experience was as described by those who have gone before me. There were many challenges. For those who intend to go to the holy land in the future, it is important to prepare oneself thoroughly, especially in terms of mental and physical preparation,” he said.
Haji Abdullah emphasised the rigorous demands of the pilgrimage, which tested his endurance in various ways. “The challenges are indeed significant. They range from the physical demands of the pilgrimage rituals to the mental endurance needed to stay focused and spiritually connected throughout the journey. The crowded environment also requires patience and cooperation with others,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, he highlighted the profound sense of unity and brotherhood he experienced.
“One of the highlights was gathering with fellow Bruneians and meeting people from various other countries. This created a strong sense of unity and brotherhood. We were encouraged to cooperate with each other, follow the rules, and engage in worship, especially as required by Islam.”
Reflecting on his journey, Haji Abdullah noted the importance of being well-prepared for such a significant spiritual undertaking. “For those who plan to go, it’s crucial to prepare both mentally and physically. The experience, while challenging, is incredibly rewarding and spiritually uplifting.”
The returning flight also carried officials from the Brunei Darussalam Haj Affairs Office (Medical), Darussalam Services Sdn Bhd (DSSB), Al-Hijrah Travel Tours Sdn Bhd, At-Taqwa Travel Tours Sdn Bhd, Dar El-Ehsan Travel Sdn Bhd, and Raudah Al-Amin Sdn Bhd.
Apart from family members, the returning pilgrims were greeted at the Brunei International Airport by senior government officials, including Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and his spouse; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB), Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as Acting Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad and his spouse.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam, Mohammed Abdullah Al Buraithin, was also present, along with Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and his spouse; Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Commissioner Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali and his spouse; and other senior government officials.
The Doa Selamat was read by Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Officer Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang. – FADLEY FAISAL
