Replacing His Passing Father, This 16-Year-Old Becomes the Youngest Hajj Pilgrim from Aceh

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Among the hundreds of prospective Hajj pilgrims from Aceh this year, Muhammad Alfaruq Addawami has captured the spotlight. The 16-year-old is listed as the youngest pilgrim from Aceh Province for the 2026 Hajj season.

Originating from Bener Meriah Regency, specifically Pante Raya Village, Wih Pesam District, Alfaruq's journey to the Holy Land is not solely driven by a long-awaited call to worship. His journey to Saudi Arabia is especially meaningful. He replaces his late father, who passed away in 2021, and also accompanies his mother, Nurhayati, who is finally able to perform the Hajj after a long wait of 14 years.

"I pray that our good deeds will be accepted, that my life will be strengthened, and that all this will be according to Allah's will," said Alfaruq in a low but confident voice.

At a young age, Alfaruq's life journey is unlike that of most teenagers. He grew up in a family environment that values ​​religious education. He is currently enrolled as a student at Dayah Darul Khairat in Bireuen, where he is studying religion while preparing for the future he dreams of.

"I aspire to be a religious scholar," he said briefly but firmly.

Adolescent life that should have been filled with school and play is instead filled with the immense responsibility of accompanying his mother on the Hajj pilgrimage. Even from the moment he entered the Hajj dormitory, Alfaruq appeared calm, wearing his uniform, his ID card around his neck, and carrying a suitcase alongside the other pilgrims.

For his mother, Nurhayati, this journey is not only about a long-awaited pilgrimage, but also about loss, patience, and a blessing that comes at an unexpected time.

She explained that this Hajj pilgrimage is the result of a long-awaited wait since registering in 2012. Plans for the trip, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally came true this year.

"Alhamdulillah, after 14 years of waiting, we can finally go. We are very grateful for this," said Nurhayati.

Even though she had to leave without her husband, Nurhayati felt the trip was still complete because she was accompanied by her youngest son. She even mentioned that she had discussed with her four children who would accompany her on this year's Hajj.

"I have four children. So, beforehand, I asked the older siblings if they would accept their younger sibling's departure. They said they would, so I took him in place of the deceased," she said.

She hopes her son will be a good leader after returning from the Hajj.

"I hope he will be a pious and useful child, and after the Hajj, his faith will be stronger, he will be more grateful, and he can be a good leader because he is also my only son," she said, moved.

Meanwhile, the Aceh Hajj Pilgrimage Organizing Officer (PPIH) urged Acehnese pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to maintain their health amidst the extreme heat, which reached 45 to 48 degrees Celsius ahead of the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

The Head of PPIH Aceh, Arijal, confirmed that the Acehnese pilgrims were generally in good health. He stated that all pilgrims were still able to perform their rituals according to the scheduled schedule.

"God willing, all of our pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are still in good health," Arijal said in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

In the past two days, four pilgrims required hospital treatment. However, all have now rejoined their respective groups and resumed their pilgrimages as usual.

Amid the rising temperatures and busy pilgrimage activities, PPIH Aceh reminded pilgrims to maintain their fluid intake by drinking water regularly to prevent dehydration.[]

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