An Elder's Determination, Abdul Malik's Journey to the Holy Land

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Among the thousands of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims gathering in the pavilion before their departure to the city of Mecca, the figure of Abdul Malik Abdurrahman  Bance stood out. This 76-year-old grandfather from Bima was part of flight group (kloter) 12 from Lombok (LOP-12). Despite his wrinkled face indicating his advanced age, he appeared healthy and active.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2024, at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Abdul Malik appeared bewildered. He confessed to an officer that he had lost his suitcase. "I'm looking for my suitcase, son. I left it with the ‘police’ when I went to the restroom, but I can't remember which one," he told a Hajj officer who was busy placing Maktab stickers on the pilgrims' passports.

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The officer promptly calmed the elderly man. They scoured every corner of the pavilion, but no police officer was found. It turned out that Abdul Malik referred to any uniformed personnel as "police," and nearly all staff in the pavilion were in uniform, from Indonesian Hajj officials to Wukala agents and Saudi SIM card salespeople.

The staff continued their efforts to find Abdul Malik's suitcase. If the suitcase had been left in the plane's cabin or baggage hold, it would typically be delivered to the lodging by the Wukala.

However, if it had been taken off the plane and then lost, it needed to be located immediately. After searching around, they finally found the suitcase. Abdul Malik repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying "Alhamdulillah" and thanking the staff for their help.

Health in Old Age

Despite being in his 70s, Abdul Malik appeared remarkably healthy and fit. His gait was slightly hunched, but he could still walk about 200 meters from the pavilion to the bus parked in front of the terminal. When asked about his secret to staying fit, Abdul Malik simply mentioned his daily activities before retirement. "I was just a road paver, son," he said with a smile.

Abdul Malik was incredibly happy to be able to perform Hajj this year. He was seen holding back tears several times, feeling grateful for the health and opportunity to fulfill this fifth pillar of Islam. He traveled alone without any family members, but he was content because several childhood friends were in the same flight group.

"That one over there is my childhood friend. He used to be a great horse rider," he said, pointing towards his friends.

Performing Hajj had been Abdul Malik's dream since childhood. He admired those who could undertake the pilgrimage, believing them to be remarkable for enduring such a long journey, especially before air travel was common.

"I've dreamed of performing Hajj since I was a child. Back then, I calculated the distance. I was amazed because Hajj is so far, around 9,000 km," he explained.

Abdul Malik expressed deep gratitude to his children who made his childhood dream come true.

"I was sent by my children and in-laws. They are very kind," he added. He planned to pray for his children in the sacred places, as well as for his late wife.

With teary eyes, Abdul Malik thanked the Hajj officers who assisted him. "I will also pray for you. What's your name?" he asked, looking at the name tag of the officer who helped him.

"I won't forget. Your name is the same as my son's," he added with a heartfelt smile.

Abdul Malik's story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that strong determination and resolve know no age limits. Best wishes for your pilgrimage, Grandpa Abdul Malik! May all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims be blessed with health and strength in performing their rituals in the Holy Land.(*)

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