Haj: No Holds Barred For Ex-Cancer Patient Who Loses An Eye

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MAKKAH, May 14 (Bernama) -- Despite losing one eye to cancer, a first-time haj pilgrim from Kuala Terengganu does not let his disability hold him back from performing the pilgrimage with passion and dedication. 

Aminuddin Hassan, 36, from Kampung Kubang Lembek, Manir, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer) at the age of two, said he never imagined that his childhood dream of performing the haj would come true.

“Alhamdulillah, I am thrilled and grateful because this is my first time stepping on the Holy Land to perform umrah (minor haj) and haj. It is a meaningful experience for me,” he told the reporter recently at the haj pilgrims’ accommodation building here.

Aminuddin said he remains at peace despite being tested with a physical disability.

“This disability won’t be a hindrance for me in the Holy Land because I have seen many elderly people…still eager to worship. So, as a young person, I feel ashamed compared to them,” he said.

Accompanying him are his older sister, Atikah Hassan, 40, and younger brother, Ahmad Muzakkir, 32. 

Atikah, the eldest in the family, could not hold back her tears as she recalled the sacrifices of her father, Hassan Wahid, 66, a retired RISDA officer who had been determined to save money for her and her six siblings to perform the haj.

“After my father performed the haj in 1995, he started saving for us in Tabung Haji accounts. Even though the salary deductions were only between RM10 and RM20 a month at that time, he was committed. As we grew older, we began saving ourselves,” she added.

-- BERNAMA