Hajj 2025: Indonesian Couple, Ages 100 and 95, Prepare for Journey to Mecca
Muhammad Dahlan and his wife, Dahniar, both residents of Tapak Moge Timur in the Kute Panang subdistrict, are scheduled to depart on May 20 as part of the third Hajj group from the Aceh embarkation point, Jakarta Globe reported on Friday.
Despite his age, Dahlan remains in good health and physically active, regularly tending to his coffee farm. He recently passed a medical evaluation, expressing confidence about his physical condition, stating earlier this week at his home, “The doctor said there’s nothing wrong. I’m fine.”
His wife, Dahniar, echoed this optimism, sharing that they feel fully prepared—physically and spiritually—for the journey.
This pilgrimage marks their third visit to the holy city of Mecca, having previously performed the Umrah pilgrimage twice. Following their second Umrah, the couple registered for Hajj in 2019, not anticipating that their turn would come as soon as it did.
Their inclusion in this year’s Hajj is part of a special allocation of 219 slots designated for elderly pilgrims from Aceh, according to Azhari, head of the provincial office of Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
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These slots are prioritized for senior citizens who have been on the waiting list for a minimum of five years and are selected based on age. Azhari noted that without this priority scheme, Dahlan would likely have had to wait until 2044 for his opportunity.
To ensure comfort and accessibility, elderly pilgrims are being placed in ground-floor accommodations at the Hajj dormitory and are receiving dedicated care throughout their journey.
Azhari noted that the couple’s journey underscores how age should not be seen as an obstacle to fulfilling one’s spiritual aspirations.
Source: Agencies
