With faith as their guide, visually impaired pilgrims fulfil haj

2026-03-04 - 23:34

Ani Shahrani Jemiran says her experience of the haj in 2024 was markedly different from the umrah, which she performed in 2019 with her family. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: For most Muslims, the first sight of the Kaaba is unforgettable. For the visually impaired, however, that moment is experienced differently. They do not see the Kaaba with their eyes – they feel it through prayer, movement and faith. Indeed, visually impaired pilgrims continue to prove that blindness is no barrier to fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam. With the support of family, fellow pilgrims, and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), journeys that once seemed impossible become reality. Siti Aidah Mustafa, 55, and her husband Muhammad Bukhari Zakaria, received the offer to go on the pilgrimage in 2023. For her, it was nothing short of a blessing. “My husband received the offer first, but I never expected that the door would open for me as well to set foot in the Holy Land,” she told Bernama. An early challenge, however, soon emerged: her husband’s Tabung Haji savings were short of the RM12,000 deposit required. “I immediately transferred funds from my account to my husband’s. At the same time, TH opened an application for someone to accompany him, so I seized the opportunity,” she recalled. Siti Aidah was born visually impaired, while Bukhari lost his vision two years ago owing to diabetes. They were initially concerned about the haj cost of about RM24,000 per person, but were determined to see things through. “At the time, my husband was in the process of selling his house in Melaka. One month before our departure, the house was sold and half of the proceeds were used to cover our haj expenses,” she said. Siti Aidah Mustafa and her husband Muhammad Bukhari Zakari are grateful to Lembaga Tabung Haji staff for helping them during their pilgrimage. (Bernama pic) In Makkah, her white cane became her “second pair of eyes”. “While my husband had performed the umrah in 2019, it was my first time there. Despite the massive crowds, we managed,” she shared, adding that they walked about 750m from their accommodation to Masjidil Haram. “Even though I could not see the Kaaba, my heart was filled with immense gratitude because my dream of reaching the Holy Land had finally come true,” she added. The couple spent about 45 days in Makkah, during which time she was deeply grateful to fellow Malaysians, including TH staff. “They would always come forward to help us. The TH staff not only explained what we needed to do but also gave us words of encouragement, reassuring us that we were capable of completing all the rituals.” Siti Aidah urged others who have disabilities not to decline the opportunity if called. “This is how we can multiply our rewards, especially in the Holy Land.” Strength in surrender Ani Shahrani Jemiran, who performed the pilgrimage in 2024 with her husband, shared a similar experience. Despite being accustomed to using a cane, the 53-year-old recalled feeling anxiety due to the vast open spaces of Masjidil Haram. For most Muslims, the first sight of the Kaaba is unforgettable. (Bernama pic) “I was anxious, but when we surrender fully to Allah with sincere intention, the challenges feel lighter,” she noted. “Many Malaysian pilgrims came forward to help, and we became so close, it was as if we had known one another for years.” She recalled how her husband, who is also visually impaired, would often be assisted by a fellow pilgrim with a physical disability but who readily extended his hand and accompanied him during certain rituals. This, she said, reflected the powerful bond among pilgrims, each complementing the other’s shortcomings. As for her own memorable moments, Ani Shahrani is immensely grateful to have been able to complete the stoning ritual at Ula, Wusta and Aqabah. “For me, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “What matters most is strengthening our faith and having confidence in ourselves. Then, God willing, everything will be made easier for us.”