‘Thank you, Mum’: In Mecca, young Malaysian pilgrim sees depth of parent’s sacrifice

MECCA, Could 4 — “Thanks, Mum… if not for you beginning to save and plan since I used to be younger, I won’t be right here in the present day.”

These have been the heartfelt phrases of gratitude from Eusoff Azman, 18, one in all Malaysia’s youngest haj pilgrims for the 2026 season, as he expressed appreciation to his mom after being given the chance to carry out the fifth pillar of Islam at a younger age.

The youth from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, mentioned his mom had opened a financial savings account and registered his identify with the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in 2008, when he was nonetheless an toddler.

“My mum registered me once I was very younger; at the moment, I didn’t perceive something. Alhamdulillah, this 12 months my identify was known as (to carry out the haj).

“Solely after arriving within the Holy Land did I really perceive that my mum was not simply planning my future on this world, however had additionally been desirous about my journey within the hereafter since I used to be a child,” he mentioned when met by reporters right here not too long ago.

The previous Royal Navy School (RMC) pupil described the chance to carry out the haj on the age of 18 as probably the most significant expertise of his life, particularly because it was his first time travelling overseas with out being accompanied by his household.

Eusoff, one in all Malaysia’s youngest haj pilgrims for the 1447H/2026 season, described performing the haj alone at a younger age as a deeply significant expertise, particularly because it was his first time travelling overseas with out his household. — Bernama pic

The fourth of six siblings mentioned that each his dad and mom, in addition to a number of of his siblings, had already carried out the haj, and now it was his flip, made attainable by means of a tradition of saving from a younger age.

Regardless of travelling with out members of the family, Eusoff mentioned he by no means felt alone as he was surrounded by roommates who have been a lot older and whom he thought to be his circle of relatives.

“I’m the youngest within the group. My roommates are all of their 50s and 60s, however they deal with me like their very own baby. They’re at all times searching for me, asking whether or not I’ve eaten or returned to the room.

“Right here, I’m not solely studying about worship, but additionally in regards to the which means of life, methods to respect elders and the worth of brotherhood,” he mentioned.

Based on Eusoff, being within the holy metropolis at a younger age has given him a brand new perspective on his dad and mom’ sacrifices, having constantly saved little by little to make sure his dream of changing into a visitor of Allah grew to become a actuality.

He hopes his story will encourage different younger dad and mom to start out planning their youngsters’s haj journey as early as attainable.

“Maybe youngsters might not perceive it now… however someday they may realise {that a} guardian’s love just isn’t solely about elevating us, but additionally about paving the best way for us to achieve the Baitullah,” he mentioned. — Bernama