Mother, 88, Fulfils Haj Dream After Decades Of Sacrifice For Children

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 23 (Bernama) -- After prioritising the needs of her five sons for decades, Moraton Hassan finally set foot in the Holy Land to perform the haj at the age of 88.

The former rubber tapper from Bukit Naning, Johor, said her dream of becoming a guest of Allah had to be postponed after the death of her husband about 25 years ago so that she could raise her children, who were still in school.

“People said I was not fit to perform the haj because I am old... but God determines everything,” she said, holding back tears when met by reporters here recently.

Moraton, who is among Malaysia’s oldest pilgrims for the 1447H/2026 haj season, said she had long saved money with Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) from rubber tapping, but her priority then was to ensure her children grew up well and completed their schooling.

“I put my children first. They were still schooling and I had responsibilities,” she said.

According to her, after her husband’s passing, she had to shoulder all family responsibilities alone and her dream of performing the haj had to be deferred even though she had started saving for the pilgrimage long ago.

While waiting for the call, Moraton said she also faced various cynical remarks from those around her who doubted her ability to perform the haj at an advanced age.

“Some said I was too old, afraid I might get knocked over, too weak and no longer able to go. But I believe that if Allah invites us, we will make it there,” she said.

She described the opportunity to perform the haj this season as a blessing and a deeply meaningful invitation from Allah after such a long wait.

“When I received the offer letter, I was very grateful. I also felt emotional remembering what people used to say,” she said.

Moraton is now in Makkah with her daughter-in-law, Azizah Wahab, 50, who is accompanying her throughout their stay in the Holy Land.

Although no longer as strong as she once was, she remains determined to complete the haj and hopes to make the most of the opportunity given.

“When I am in Arafah, I want to pray for my children, grandchildren and all my relatives,” she said.

Meanwhile, Azizah said the family was deeply moved that Moraton had finally been given the opportunity to perform the haj after spending so many years putting her family’s needs before her own.

“I consider this a responsibility. I am deeply touched to see mother finally arrive in Makkah even though many said she would not be able to go,” she said.

According to Azizah, the family was also surprised to discover that Moraton’s TH savings had actually been sufficient to qualify her for the haj for quite some time.

For the family, Moraton’s journey to the Holy Land in her twilight years is not merely the fulfilment of a long-delayed dream, but a symbol of a mother’s sacrifice for her children.

-- BERNAMA