Minister Of Religion Asks Saudi Arabian Government Not To Limit The Age Of Hajj Pilgrims But Istita'ah

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar in a joint working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 4. (Nailin-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar revealed that his party had asked the Saudi Arabian government not to limit the age of prospective Indonesian pilgrims. However, consider the ability of pilgrims from the health aspect, both physically and mentally, which is measured by examination.

So that pilgrims can carry out the pilgrimage in accordance with Islamic law. "I need to add that we continue to convey lobbying to Saudi Arabia officials, both the Ministry of Religion and yesterday we met directly with the minister of health, regarding the issue of limiting the maximum life to the 90th anniversary," said Nasaruddin Umar in a working meeting with Commission VIII DPR at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 4.

"I am trying to convince the minister of health (Saudi Arabia) that if possible in Indonesia we do not use the term age limit but it is istita'ah," he continued.

The Minister of Religion said that prospective Indonesian pilgrims would also undergo an examination by the Ministry of Health. Whether, considered capable of Hajj or not.

According to him, the one who determines whether the prospective pilgrims are fit for Hajj or not is Istita'ah, not age.

"There is a minister of health here and they are the ones who determine the istita'ah in terms of health, so it is not a factor of age that determines but a factor of istitation in terms of health analysis," said Nasaruddin.

"And today, thank God, there is a very good understanding between the two ministers, the minister of Hajj and the Minister of Health," he added.

The Minister of Religion also explained the health Istita'ah data as of March 3, 2025. A total of 165,613 prospective pilgrims or 82.73 percent have undergone examination.

"157,796 or 78.48 percent have met the requirements. 673 or 0.34 percent did not meet the requirements, and 5,287 (prospective pilgrims) or 2.63 percent were in the process," said Nasaruddin.