IPB University Sends Off 21 Prospective Hajj Pilgrims for 2026, Rector: A Noble Mission and an Internal Journey
A total of 21 prospective Hajj pilgrims (CJH) from the IPB University community were officially sent off during a farewell ceremony held in the Senate Meeting Room at the Dramaga Campus on Monday (4/20). This 2026 IPB University CJH group consists of 20 lecturers and one member of the academic support staff
In his remarks, IPB University Rector Dr Alim Setiawan congratulated the group and prayed that the CJH would be able to perform the Hajj smoothly. He emphasized that the Hajj is a very noble mission.
“This is a moment for an internal journey, not just an ordinary religious ritual. You are truly fortunate to be among those chosen by Allah,” said Dr Alim. The Rector prayed that the pilgrims would be granted smooth journeys, strength, and spiritual awareness, and return with the title of a mabrur Hajj.
In line with the Rector, the Director of Human Resources at IPB University, Prof Sri Suharti, stated that the Hajj departure is a calling, a blessing, and a trust that deserves collective gratitude.
She prayed for the CJH to remain healthy and have a smooth journey in performing their worship, and advised them to prepare physically, including a supply of medications, starting now. “This extraordinary journey is not only spiritual but also requires tremendous physical strength,” she said.
On that occasion, Prof Sri Suharti also requested prayers from the pilgrims for the beloved IPB University to be granted blessings and progress.
As a small gesture of care from IPB University toward faculty and staff members who will be performing the Hajj, during this send-off and religious guidance session, gift packages containing medicine and personal care products were distributed to help them prepare for the rather extreme climate conditions in the Holy Land.
Meanwhile, Ustaz Dr Salahuddin El Ayyubi, in his religious guidance, stated that the Hajj is an extraordinary experience. He advised them to, above all, purify their intentions (lillahi ta’ala) and ensure they are solely for the sake of Allah, as any other intention can taint and diminish the act of worship.
Ustaz Salahuddin also highlighted the challenges of the Hajj in modern times, particularly regarding social status, and emphasized the importance of maintaining humility. He further urged the pilgrims to focus on increasing their acts of worship.
“May the pilgrimage be accepted and lead to becoming a better person, with more mindful speech,” he said. He concluded his sermon by urging prospective pilgrims to increase their repentance, remembering that the best provision is piety. (dh) (IAAS/WSG).
