HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR
4 APRIL 2024
On August 2, 2017, I received an unexpected phone call from the Department of Veteran Affairs, Malaysian Armed Forces. They informed me that my wife and I had been selected to perform Hajj in Mecca under the Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran quota.
I can't express how happy I am because I never expected to be selected this year; I had only registered for Hajj last year in 2016. I am truly grateful that you have chosen my wife and me to be your guests during the Hajj season this year.
In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba, the "House of Allah", in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah (oath that one believes there is no God but Allah (God), Solat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and sawm (fasting during Ramadan).
Hajj must be performed by every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, so long as they are financially, physically, and emotionally able to do so.
The rituals of Hajj have their origin in the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The Hajj rituals were formalized by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he performed his one and only pilgrimage in the year of A.D. 628.
During the 2017 Hajj season (1438 Hijri), Tabung Haji introduced the slogan "My Presence as Dhuyufurrahman, My Return with Kemabruran." This slogan encourages all Hajj pilgrims to embrace the philosophy of Hajj, which emphasizes the importance of returning as a pure and clean person, akin to a baby just born to its mother—clean, pure, and free from any stains or sins.
2017 HAJJ BRIEFING
My wife and I attended a Hajj briefing organized by the ATM Veteran Affairs Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces Religious Corps (KAGAT) at the Khalid Ibn Walid Mosque on Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur, on August 3, 2017, and August 16, 2017.
Briefing by Ustazah from KAGAT
All registration and visa matters, as well as health checks, were conducted at the Khalid ibn Walid Mosque, thanks to the efforts of JHEV and KAGAT. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JHEV and KAGAT for their dedicated work in assisting Dhuyufurrahman (Guests of God). Their commitment is invaluable, as they have worked tirelessly, day and night, to coordinate with the ATM Veterans who were selected through the 2017 Hajj quota. May Allah (s.w.t) reward all those who have made sacrifices and contributed their efforts.
"MAJLIS RAMAH MESRA" WITH THE MINISTER OF DEFENSE
On August 16, 2017, the Ministry of Defence hosted a reception for prospective Hajj pilgrims for the year 1438H at Dewan Perkasa, Wisma Perwira ATM, located at the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by the Minister of Defence, YB Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn.
Every veteran ATM prospective Haj pilgrim received a healthcare set from the Minister of Defense and his wife as a souvenir to be used in the Holy Land.
After the ceremony with the Minister of Defence, the prospective Haj pilgrims returned to the Khalid Ibn Walid Mosque to continue their health check session, which was conducted by members of the Malaysian Army Royal Health Corps. My wife and I decided to go to a private clinic for our health check-up because there were too many people at the mosque. We were willing to pay out of pocket for the service as long as it was easy, fast, and comfortable.
PILGRIMS HEALTH SCREENING
16 AUGUST 2017
All prospective Hajj pilgrims must undergo a health examination, which includes blood and urine tests. These health assessments are essential for verifying the health status of participants and ensuring they receive any necessary treatment before traveling to the Holy Land. Additionally, those who pass the health examination are required to receive the Meningococcal Quadrivalent ACYW-135 vaccine.
On August 16, 2017, approximately 1,000 prospective pilgrims under the Minister of Defense's quota—comprising military personnel, military veterans, civil servants from the Ministry of Defense, and staff from the Office of the Minister of Defense—gathered at the Khalid Al Walid Mosque for a health check-up. This event included free vaccinations provided by the ATM Health Medical Division in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Health and Tabung Haji.
There are two types of vaccines administered to prospective pilgrims at the Khalid Al Walid Mosque. The first is the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (13-Valent Adsorbed), which is designed to prevent pneumonia. The second is the Meningococcal vaccine, which helps prevent meningitis, a serious brain infection.
After completing the visa and health examination, we are advised to wait for the offer letter from Tabung Haji, which will be distributed later. The flight date will only be notified after receiving the Hajj offer from Tabung Haji.
Hajj Documentation Matters at TH KL Sentral Office (IFiC) at Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur.
PROSPECTIVE PILGRIMS COURSE
On August 17, 2017, my wife and I attended the 2017 Prospective Pilgrims course at the Khalid ibn Walid Mosque. This event was organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (ATM/JHEV) in collaboration with the Armed Forces Religious Corps (KAGAT).
Unfortunately, I do not recall the name of the Ustadz who delivered the lecture during the course.
The purpose of the Hajj Course was to provide prospective Hajj participants with exposure and guidance regarding the pilgrimage. It covered essential information about Hajj management and healthcare, with the aim of helping attendees prepare for their journey to the Holy Land. The course was designed to ensure that those planning to undertake Hajj would have a successful and meaningful experience.
Next:
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
4 April 2024 > 15 Ramadan 1445H: 10.10 p.m
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