Pilgrims Urged to Wear Their Ihram from Hotel for Miqat in Bir Ali

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Daker Madinah, the Saudi Arabian Working Area (Daker) for Indonesian pilgrims, has made preparations for the departure of Indonesian pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah in 2023.

They were scheduled to arrive in Makkah by Thursday (1/6/2023). Indonesian pilgrims will depart from Madinah to Makkah to perform the obligatory umrah with the miqat (boundary) at Bir Ali.

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Head of Daker Madinah, Zaenal Muttaqin, explained that they have taken several steps, such as providing hajj rituals guidance, conducting visits and education to the health sector and clinics for pilgrims who are unwell or in severe conditions.

"We have also coordinated with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj to process passports and travel permits for pilgrims because there will be 43 buses carrying pilgrims on the first day from Madinah to Makkah. On the first day, there are five groups, comprising 1,899 Indonesian pilgrims heading to Makkah," said Zaenal Muttaqin.

The latest information received by Daker Madinah is that the time allotted for miqat at Bir Ali for Indonesian pilgrims is only 30 minutes. Therefore, the pilgrims were also advised to wear ihram garments and perform ablution in their respective hotels. 

"They should also try to perform the obligatory pre-umrah prayer and make the intention for umrah, in order to save time at Bir Ali. They can then perform the recommended sunnah prayers," he added.

What about pilgrims who are sick or or thode senior pilgrims? Zaenal stated that those who are healthy are allowed to disembark and proceed to the Bir Ali Mosque. However, for those who are sick or old enough to do this, it is recommended that they do not disembark from the bus and instead make the intention for umrah while on the bus. 

"Even if they forget to make the intention at Bir Ali, as long as they are still within the designated area, specifically Dzulhulaifah, they can still make the intention," he explained.

The same applies to Indonesian pilgrims in 2023 who are still receiving medical treatment. Daker Madinah will coordinate with health clinics and hospitals to determine when those pilgrims can be evacuated to Makkah.

Zaenal explained that upon arrival in Makkah, Indonesian pilgrims in 2023 will place their luggage in their hotel rooms and then check-in. Once the conditions permit, there will be 24-hour shalawat buses ready to transport the pilgrims to Masjidil Haram. (*)

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