REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- With easy access to travel to Tanah Suci, backpacker umrah is a trend among Indonesians. However, the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulama Assembly (MUI) for Dakwah and Ukhuwah, KH Cholil Nafis appealed to people who want to practice Umrah worship independently to always pay attention to the good name of Indonesia.

“I ask people who want backpacker umrah, please try it. I've tried it before, it's fun and comfortable. Secondly, take note of the good Indonesian name. Don't go there and you can't go home,” Kiai Cholil said when he met after becoming a spokesperson for the Halaqah Dakwah themed “Knitting Ukhuwah and the Union of Ummah Through Dakwah” at MUI Pusat office on Monday (19/2/2024).

In addition, according to Kiai Cholil, the community of backpackers should also ensure a good place to stay, as well as conduct their worship properly.

“Don't stay in the mosque. That's the self-esteem of Indonesians. Don't go there, just sleep, don't go back and forth from the mosque,” Kiai Cholil said.

“At a minimum there is a residence so that the mosque is in a clean state and does not litter the mosque,” he said.

The caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Cendikia Amanah Depok added, “Umrah for backpackers nowadays can be done easily. Therefore, he also gave permission if the community wanted to perform Umrah worship independently.

“I think it's good, because now the model and the system have also changed. First, the ease of getting a visa is not what it used to be,” said Kiai Cholil.

In addition, according to him, while in the Holy Land, people now also have easier access to facilities there, such as access to hotel rental and access to tutors.

“It wasn't too difficult. So for people who are full of adrenaline, love to wander, it has its own challenges, there is its own beauty to it. Because it's been easier. Now if you want to take the bus, people can access it on their own. It is also possible to take the train from Makkah to Medina,” he said.

However, he added, the worship itself is still very much in need of guidance, as well as the need for a different framework of rules and facilities, since all worshippers from all parts of the world come together.

“Then there is a rukun (Hajj) that should not be left behind. So going on Hajj might be a bit difficult for backpackers. It will take a long time to educate the people,” he said.

“When it comes to Umrah, I think it's time. Because now you want a visa, buy the ticket Saudi Airlines already got the visa,” explained Kiai Cholil.

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