TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – Oding, a 59-year-old pilgrim from Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia for Hajj 2024, radiated happiness as he walked through the Zamzam Tower area of the Masjid al-Haram. His joy was evident and well-founded.

The daily Quran teacher finally completed the pinnacle of his Hajj pilgrimage after a 12-year wait. “Yes, I’m happy, enjoying the romantic journey of Hajj from Arafat, Muzdalifah, to Mina,” shared the man affectionately known as Ustadz Oding in Mecca.

Oding’s happiness was made complete by the presence of his beloved wife and mother on this spiritual journey. Accompanying them were two cousins, who were also pilgrims.

“I’m very happy to be performing Hajj with my wife and mother. This is a dream long awaited,” he expressed after completing the Tawaf Ifadah, a critical part of the pilgrimage rituals.

Oding’s experience with the Hajj service staff left a lasting impression. At one point, he and his group suffered from diarrhea due to a meal mishap.

“When we had stomach problems, the staff were quick to respond. They immediately gave us medication, stayed with us, and even fed the elderly. Alhamdulillah, everyone recovered,” he recounted with gratitude.

Furthermore, Oding was very satisfied with the food provided by the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH). The abundance of food and drinks ensured they were comfortable and did not need to prepare anything themselves.

“Food was plentiful, drinks were plentiful, we never lacked anything,” said Oding.

His wife, who had been listening intently, added, “There was an excess of food, lots of it, sometimes even the snacks weren’t eaten.”

Oding and his family are scheduled to return to Indonesia on July 7-8, 2024. He hopes for a safe journey home and that all pilgrims and staff receive the title of Hajj Mabrur, indicating a successful pilgrimage.

“My hope is for everyone to become Hajj Mabrur. I am happy, the staff are happy, all Indonesians are happy,” he concluded with a smile, capping off a pilgrimage hajj 2024 journey filled with joy and gratitude. (*)