The Story Of A Pedicab Driver Riding Hajj

SURABAYA - Not everyone with money can go to Hajj. It is different with a pedicab driver named Holili Addrae Sae, 60, a resident from Sampang Regency, Madura, East Java.

Holili had no idea that she would be able to go to the Holy Land. However, the hard work that resulted from pedaling a rickshaw, was finally able to collect rupiah for the pilgrimage. He will fly to the Holy Land with a group of 20, which will fly on Friday, June 17, 2022.

"Alhamdulillah, I was able to go for Hajj thanks to Allah's call," said Holili, in Surabaya.

Even though he was able to go to the Holy Land, Holili said he was sad because he went for Hajj alone, without his wife named Busideh accompanied. His wife had preceded because he was called by the Divine.

"Going for hajj is my wife and I've been dreaming of for a long time. But my wife died while waiting for hajj," he said.

Holili said that apart from receiving a call from Allah SWT, her success in realizing her dream to fulfill the 5th pillar of Islam is inseparable from the role of her late wife.

"Frankly, we only work hard to squeeze out the sweat pedaling a trishaw every day, but my late wife, who was so painstaking, set aside little by little the remaining money from her daily needs," he said.

Holili's face can be seen deep sadness when she remembers the struggle of her late wife. Every now and then Holili wipes the tears that fall from her eyelids while continuing to tell the story of the deceased who invited, strengthened, and convinced her to register for Hajj despite the perfunctory economic conditions.

"The income of rickshaws per day is only Rp. 30-50 thousand, even that is uncertain. In addition, I also work as a fish porter with a meager income. My wife is diligent in saving and collecting, and buys a few grams of gold," he said.

At one point, Holili and his wife got a fortune on social gathering and decided to sell all the things that had been collected for the registration fee for Hajj. At first he had doubts, but his wife returned to strengthen and convince.

"I got an arisan and let's sell this gold. Come on, register for Hajj, it's okay with the intention, God willing, God will have mercy on him and God will be sufficient," recalled Holili remembering her late wife's words.

With faith, the two married couples finally registered for Hajj in 2011. But God had other plans, his wife died in 2019 due to illness, before he was contacted for the payment of Hajj in 2020.

"My wife died a few months before the appointment, in 2020 it was confirmed to leave, but because of the pandemic it was postponed, and thank God I was able to leave this year. Even though my wife has died, my intention is to continue Hajj with my wife," he said.

After the death of his wife, Holili had offered his two children to replace the portion of his wife's pilgrimage, but both refused and Holili chose to take the deceased's Hajj savings to be used as expenses for her late wife's pilgrimage to the holy land.

"His savings money is still intact, I have left it so I don't use it. The money is for my wife's badal pilgrimage because in the holy land, people have to pay for Hajj. Please pray that my wife and I will make mabrur pilgrimages," he said.

However, in the midst of the happiness she felt, Holili admitted that she was sad and confused. Because they don't have a penny of money for supplies to the Holy Land. He was not even able to register with the Hajj Guidance Group (KBIH) in Sampang.

"I don't have any more savings, bro, let alone for supplies to join the KBIH group, I just can't afford to pay," he said.

With God's permission, one of the KBIH in Sampang was moved and invited Holili to join his KBIH free of charge.

During the preparation process for departure, Holili admitted that she always used her becak every time she attended the training.

"Every time I perform Hajj and take care of other preparations, I go by becam. Because the becak is the only vehicle I have," he said.