Haj Ifrad Demands Stoic Self-Control, Determined Focus From Pilgrims

From Nurliyana Farah Ruslan

MAKKAH, June 3 (Bernama) -- Although aware of the physical demands when performing the Haj Ifrad pilgrimage that requires them to show great restraint, extraordinary commitment and self-control, some Malaysian pilgrims still choose this type of haj as a profound act of devotion to Allah SWT.

Theatre practitioner and senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Creative Arts under the Drama Department, Dr Rosdeen Suboh, 52, is among the few who opt to perform the Haj Ifrad pilgrimage in contrast with the majority of the 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims who opted for Haj Tamattu’ pilgrimage.

Rosdeen said he made the decision based on his understanding of the differences between the types of haj and the determination to embrace this spiritual challenge and self-discipline.

Haj Ifrad, Haj Qiran and Haj Tamattu’ are the types of pilgrimage permitted in Islam. Those opting for Haj Ifrad must enter into the state of ihram (a sacred state where pilgrims must wear the prescribed clothing and observe restrictions) with the sole intention of performing only haj and completing all haj obligations and pillars during the haj season.

Haj Ifrad is considered more demanding as pilgrims must be in the state of ihram over an extended period which requires them to have strong spiritual resilience and discipline.

Umrah (minor haj) is done separately, either before or after the haj season, compared to other types of haj that allow pilgrims to perform umrah and haj together.

Rosdeen said he was determined to perform Haj Ifrad as soon as he boarded the plane heading to the Holy Land, even though he had to be in ihram longer than those performing Haj Tamattu’.

“I wanted to experience that (Haj Ifrad), being in the state of ihram for about 17 days, continuously observing its prohibitions, and completing it until the end,” he said in a recent interview with the media here.

Sharing the challenges while in ihram, Rosdeen admitted he felt disheartened seeing Haj Tamattu’ pilgrims already back in their regular, more comfortable clothes.

“Seeing others already comfortable, while I still have to sleep and carry out daily activities in ihram clothing, with many rules to observe strictly, is one of the biggest challenges for me,” he said.

Fellow pilgrim Hilmi Hatta, 44, said that performing Haj Ifrad allowed him to remain in the state of ihram for over two weeks, which in turn helped him stay focused on his religious practices and avoid spiritual neglect.

"We have to remain in ihram at all times, from hanging clothes to dry to going to the café. Seeing other pilgrims in normal attire did shake me a little, but the intention must be strong, and the resolve unwavering. That’s what sets this challenge apart from regular acts of worship," he said.

Hilmi, who arrived in the Holy Land on May 23 with his wife, Noorhazlina Noordin, expressed hope that Allah SWT would bless the haj they performed and that they would be able to observe the prohibitions of ihram throughout the 16 days.

-- BERNAMA