foto: Kemenag.co.id
Brilio.net - The opportunity to go on the Hajj is a call from Allah and an unpredictable blessing. This departure is often considered a spiritual calling that cannot be explained by human planning alone. Even though preparation and effort are still required, many believe that in the end, it is God's call and sustenance that determines it.
This was felt by Khumaidi Katijan, a 49 year old scavenger . This year he was able to go to the Holy Land with his wife Siti Fatimah (45 years). This husband and wife couple come from Mojokerto Regency.
Reporting from merdeka6.com, Khumaidi until now did not think that he would be given the opportunity to fulfill the obligations of the fifth pillar of Islam. Because of this, he admitted that he could not hide his happiness. Khumaidi's departure was delayed for 3 years due to the pandemic.
photo: kemenag.go.id
"Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful that this year I was called to make the Hajj to Baitullah," he said.
As a scavenger of used goods, it never crossed his mind to register to perform the Hajj . This idea came from his wife, who at first was not really sure whether she could fulfill this wish. Moreover, if they want to go, they have to register and pay for two people.
"I'm just a waste collector, the cost of Hajj is expensive, especially for two of us," he said.
However, he didn't want to think of his wife's wishes as a passing thought. For him, no matter how difficult it is, he will still fight. Everyone knows that the struggle to make it to the Hajj is not an easy thing, and Khumaidi is no different.
"In 2011, it happened that our savings had accumulated 10 million. Initially I wanted to buy a small piece of land but I remembered that my wife wanted to go on Hajj. With the help of bailout funds, I was finally able to register for Hajj," explained Khumaidi.
After his name is officially registered, he still has to collect money to prepare and pay for his departure. Because of this, he is willing to do anything, even saving on daily expenses. In fact, Khumaidi's nominal income is uncertain.
"From scavenging, I could earn one hundred thousand or if it was quiet, less than one hundred thousand per day," he recalled.
Of all his daily income, the middle-aged man admitted that he only used IDR 25 thousand for necessities. That includes food and other needs. He set aside the rest as Hajj savings.
photo: kemenag.go.id
To increase their income, Khumaidi and his wife started a business making red stones. This business was successful and helped their economy. Unfortunately, in 2020 Khumaidi was forced to close the red cell because the land used had run out.
After going through various struggles, he was finally able to leave in 2024 with group 65. They flew to the holy land on Wednesday (29/5) at 14.10 WIB. Until now, Khumaidi does not believe in this opportunity.
He said that he would ask for prayers when he arrived at the holy land of Nandi. One of them is to pray that his children and relatives can go to the holy land like himself. He also hopes that the family will always be given a blessed life by Allah SWT.
(brl/lea)
