TIMES JAZIRAH, MADINAH – Muhammad Taher Abdussalam, a Hajj pilgrim from Gayo Lues, Aceh, has gained popularity by beigngthe oldest Indonesian pilgrim to join hajj season 2023. This 100 year old guy maintain to pursue his lifelong dream of performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad Taher embarked on this sacred journey by flying through Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport, Aceh Besar (28/5/2023). He joined the BTJ-06 flight group, consisting of pilgrims from Gayo Lues, Bireuen, and Lhokseumawe.

Although without the companion of his family, he confidently stated that his health condition allows him to perform Hajj without any obstacles. He believes, "With God willing, I am capable of performing Hajj this year," he said.

On his journey to the Holy Land, Muhammad Taher has faced obstacles before. He had previously failed to depart for Mecca twice, first due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and second due to the maximum age limit for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

However, this Hajj season is an extraordinary moment for Muhammad Taher. The man whic was born in 1923 finally fulfills his dream of performing Hajj for the first time. "Praise the Lord, I am very happy to be able to perform Hajj this time. May everything go smoothly," he said joyfully.

Upon joining the hajj, he was willing to sell his land to finance this journey. He has passed on his belongings to his children in case somethig bad happened to him in Saudi Arabia.

The guy is no stranger to Saudi Arabia. He has previously performed Umrah twice. These experiences have given him confidence and readiness to perform Hajj. 

This was not his first journey to travel across the world. He was familiar to travel alone when he was young. In fact, he once migrated to various cities in Java Island such as Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Jakarta before Indonesia's independence.

Despite being just a coffee farmer, Muhammad Taher has proven that age is not abarrier to catch up our dream. He also admitted that he never received formal education throughout his life, except for the Literacy Eradication Program initiated by President Soekarno at that time.

Azhari, the Head of the Hajj Organizer Officials (PPIH) of Aceh Embarkation, gave a message to Muhammad Taher to take care of his health during his stay in the Saudi Arabia. Azhari emphasized the importance of regularly drinking water and focusing on fulfilling the obligatory rituals. 

He also advised this senior pilgrims not to overexert himself, especially during the peak of Hajj. Muhammad Taher Abdussalam is an inspirational figure for many people. At an advanced age, he still has the spirit and strong desire to perform Hajj. (*)