A 104-year old Indonesian woman is performing Hajj, making her one of the oldest people to make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca this year.
Ibu Mariah Marghani Muhammad arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, landing at King Abudulaziz International Airport in the port city of Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture and Information said in a press release that Ibu Mariah told cameras after landing in Jeddah, “Alhamdulillah [praise be to God], I am going to Mecca. Alhamdulillah, I am going to Hajj."
The statement also reported that Ibu Mariah had performed Umrah when she was 90, and was thrilled to finally be able to perform Hajj.
Indonesian officials said that the 104-year-old was "in good health and will be able to perform her Hajj rituals without any problems".
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Information said, “Saudi Arabia warmly welcomes Ibu Mariah. The Hajj is the spiritual highlight in the life of every Muslim. At the age of 104, it is remarkable for Ibu Mariah to be here. We wish her well.”
At the age of 104, it is remarkable for Ibu Mariah to be here. We wish her well.
Ibu Mariah is one of 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims taking part in Hajj in 2017.
Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most Indonesians, due to 10-hour flight and average cost of Dh 3674 (AUD $1260).
Last year, chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Association for Hajj and Umrah Travels, Joko Asmoro, told the Saudi Gazette that there are currently 3.2 million Indonesian people on the waiting list to perform Hajj. He explained that this means there is, on average, a 37-year wait.
