The Inspirational Journey of Ahmad Saifudin Rois to Hajj 2024

TIMESINDONESIA, MADINAH – Ahmad Saifudin Rois, a 72-year-old slondok (cassava snack) seller from Banjarharjo village in Kalibawang sub-district, Kulonprogo district, has an inspiring story about his life's journey leading him to become a hajj 2024 pilgrim.

Ahmad joined the 46th group of Solo Embarkation (SOC 46), and his life story is one of struggle, perseverance, and blessings on his path to becoming an Indonesian hajj 2024 pilgrim.

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Slondok, a crispy snack made from cassava, has been Ahmad's livelihood since the 1990s. Encouraged by his loyal customers, he registered for hajj in 2011. “I initially only had 10 million rupiahs,” recalled Ahmad Rois when interviewed at the Donohudan Embarkation on Friday, May 24, 2024. “But one of my customers saw my determination and lent me 15 million rupiahs to complete the hajj registration fee. I repaid the loan within a few months from slondok sales.”

Ahmad's journey was far from smooth. In 2012, he suffered a severe traffic accident. A car hit him from behind, resulting in a broken arm and facial disfigurement. Ahmad had to undergo surgery to restore his physical condition.

Despite these hardships, Ahmad's spirit never wavered. He continued selling slondok to meet his daily needs and set aside savings for his hajj pilgrimage. Even with his previously broken arm and surgically repaired face, Ahmad Rois continued to produce slondok at a capacity of 100 kilograms per day. He sold the snack for 24,000 rupiahs per kilogram to shops and markets.

As a modin (religious leader) in his village, Ahmad is well-respected by his neighbors. Before his departure to the Holy Land, his neighbors and relatives held a gathering to show their support. During this event, they collected 6 million rupiahs for Ahmad's pocket money during his hajj.

"This is a blessing and grace from Allah SWT. I am very grateful to the customer who helped me register for hajj and to my neighbors who provided moral and financial support,” he said, with tears in his eyes.

Ahmad Rois, with his unwavering determination and continuous prayers, finally realized his dream of performing hajj especially for hajj 2024. His story is a testament that with strong determination and prayer, all obstacles can be overcome. (*)

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