PERFORM HAJ AT YOUNG AGE FOR A MORE MEANINGFUL PILGRIMAGE - PAHANG MUFTI

By Nadia Jumri

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Performing haj at a young age is highly encouraged as it requires physical, mental, and spiritual strength, according to Pahang Mufti Prof Datuk Dr Asmadi Mohamed Naim.

He said that younger individuals typically have better health and energy, making them more capable of enduring the physical and emotional demands of haj.

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Asmadi, who is also a professor at the Islamic Business School (IBS) of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), said that young Muslims should begin by nurturing the intention (niyyah) to perform haj, even if they are not yet financially or physically able, as Allah values sincerity and effort from His servants.

At the same time, he emphasised the importance of preparation, in terms of religious knowledge, financial readiness, and spiritual development, before fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam. 

“Young people adapt faster, have fewer responsibilities, and with sincere intentions and devotion to Allah, the haj experience can be more focused and spiritually meaningful.

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“However, the challenge lies in ensuring they have sufficient knowledge. Every pilgrim must understand the rulings, conditions, and etiquettes of haj. Learn directly from qualified teachers or through authorised digital platforms. Do not perform haj if you have yet to perfect your solat,” he told Bernama recently.

Touching on digital learning platforms, Asmadi advised Muslims to choose only recognised and credible sources, such as those provided by Tabung Haji or official state religious department websites.

“What matters most is who delivers the content, not just the platform itself. Always ensure the source is legitimate and recognised. Social media can support learning, but it should not replace direct guidance from certified teachers and experts,” he said.

On the financial front, Asmadi encouraged young Muslims to start saving early and set aside a portion of their income regularly in a Tabung Haji account to prepare for the pilgrimage.

“Once a person has sufficient savings and is offered a quota, performing haj becomes compulsory, even at a young age. The priority lies in fulfilling the condition of istito’ah (capability),” he said, adding that age is not a determining factor in the obligation to perform haj.

He also advised prospective pilgrims not to worry too much about quota availability, as that is beyond individual control. Instead, he urged them to use the waiting period to strengthen their spiritual preparation so that the pilgrimage can be performed more meaningfully when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Tabung Haji is expected to issue haj offer letters for the 1447H/2026 season later this month. In a statement, Tabung Haji Group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad reminded all prospective pilgrims to update their personal profiles immediately to ensure smooth communication and the proper delivery of haj offer letters for the 1447H/2026 season.

According to Tabung Haji’s records, 521 prospective pilgrims currently in the queue could not be contacted, which affected the distribution of important information on haj preparation and management.

Tabung Haji is also calling on all depositors, especially those on the waiting list, to take immediate action by visiting their nearest Tabung Haji branch or by contacting the Tabung Haji Contact Centre (THCC) at 03-6207 1919.

All prospective pilgrims can also check their Hajj turn status for the 1447H/2026 season via THiJARI or at any Tabung Haji branch nationwide, he added.

-- BERNAMA