East Java Governor Khofifah Asks For Prayers From Oldest Hajj Candidates In Indonesia

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (left) agrees with the prayer offered by Harun Senar Muhammad at the Surabaya Embarkation Hajj Dormitory, Thursday (25/5/2023)/ANTARA/Fiqih Arfani

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa asked for prayers from Harun Senar Muhammad, who was recorded as 119 years old as well as the oldest Hajj candidate in Indonesia in 2023.

"Please pray for East Java, hopefully, it will always be safe. People are healthy, happy and blessed," said Khofifah as quoted by ANTARA.

Khofifah conveyed the prayer request when he met the six children's grandfather and six grandchildren at the Surabaya Embarkation Hajj Dormitory ahead of his departure to the Holy Land, Thursday (25/5).

Harun Senar Muhammad comes from Karang Duak Hamlet, Pangbatok Village, Proppo District, Pamekasan Regency, Madura, East Java.

Registering for Hajj in 2017 by selling a plot of land to cover the lack of savings from the results of working as a chicken and cow trader who was involved at a young age.

To pay off the cost of Hajj when his name was on the departing list this year, the grandfather who received education only up to grade 3 of elementary school during the Japanese colonial period sold two cows.

His departure to the Holy Land was accompanied by his nephew, Masdi, aged 63 years. Joined in the flying group (cluter) 6 which departed for the Holy Land through the Surabaya Embarkation Hajj Dormitory at 22.00 WIB Thursday night, May 25, 2023.

Governor Khofifah had asked what the recipe was, so he still looked healthy until he was 119 years old.

"It turns out that Mbah Harun regularly reads the Koran. Until now, he is still diligent in reading the Koran without wearing glasses. Then, he istiqamah also prays at night," he said.

According to medical data from the health team, Harun was confirmed to be in good condition.

Khofifah revealed that there are no recommendations for special medicines to be taken, except for vitamin C and adequate rest.

Meanwhile, Harun stated that the pain he often felt was more due to old age. "My waist often hurts. I feel the pain is because of old age," he said.

Harun, who looks like he can still walk like a healthy person, hopes to be able to worship in the Holy Land without the help of a wheelchair.

"To Mecca, what I hope is the reward from Allah SWT to complete the fifth Islamic pillars. For that I am willing to sell the land to go to perform the pilgrimage," he said.