KOTA BARU: The dream of a family of five to perform their haj together became a reality when they left for the holy land yesterday.
Retired teacher Mohd Nor Che Soh, 62, his wife, Zariah Noor, 58, as well as the couple’s three children Aliefah Ilyani, 29, Muhammad Ilham Rifaaie, 26, and Muhammad Amir Haziq, 16, were among 150 pilgrims who left for Madinah at 5.30am on a flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Nor said he had been dreaming of performing the fifth pillar of Islam with his family when they registered for the haj in 2007.
“Alhamdulillah, last year we were invited to be the guests of Allah.
“However, I had to turn it down as my youngest child was only 15 years old.
“I am grateful that this year, our names were accepted to perform the haj.
“Nothing pleases me more than to see my family performing the haj together.”
He said this at the departure ceremony for pilgrims at the Islamic Silver Jubilee Complex here. The pilgrims were sent off by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob.
He said preparations to perform the haj began when he opened Tabung Haji accounts for each of his children when they were 2 months old.
“Since then, I have been allocating RM5 through salary deduction for each of my children every month.”
His son, Amir, said he was nervous to perform the haj at such a young age.
“I was nervous yet excited when I found out that I would perform the haj with my family.
“I hope to perform the haj in an impeccable manner and be blessed with good health.
“My knowledge may not be sufficient, but I can always refer to my father,” said the Form Four student from Maahad Amir Indera Petra, Bachok.
Ahmad congratulated the pilgrims for becoming guests of Allah and hoped that they could perform their haj smoothly.
“Pilgrims should pay attention to their ibadah and avoid wasting time on unbeneficial activities.
“Take care of your health, strengthen and sustain your physical and mental capabilities, as well as follow Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations.”