E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 616 Its meaning: "In it are clear signs, including the Maqam Ibrahim. Whoever enters it (the House of Allah) will be safe. Among the obligations of humans to Allah is to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House of Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey. Whoever denies (the obligation of Hajj), then indeed, Allah is Self-Sufficient (in need of nothing) from all the worlds." In general, they interpret istithā’ah in Surah Ali Imran verse 97 as a person's ability to reach Mecca and perform Hajj, encompassing physical capability, financial means, and security during the journey (Syaikhu, 2020, p. 23). In this context, istithā’ah refers to one's capacity to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage based on several factors, including physical ability, spiritual readiness, financial capability — both for the pilgrimage itself and for the family left behind — and security during the pilgrimage as well as for the family left at home. In practice, performing Hajj for individuals with disabilities requires a clear and effective arrangement for companions. The primary reason for this is that many individuals with disabilities face significant physical and social barriers during the Hajj journey, which can hinder their ability to perform the rituals. Various studies, as discussed in journals on accessibility and inclusion, indicate that trained companions can help address these challenges by providing the necessary physical and emotional support throughout the pilgrimage (Nazila & Affandi, 2024, p. 3760). The arrangement of companions is not only crucial to meet the criteria of istithā’ah but also enhances the spiritual experience and sense of safety for pilgrims with disabilities (Hidayati, 2023). Implementing companion arrangements for individuals with disabilities during Hajj is a critical step to ensure that every pilgrim can perform the rituals meaningfully and without obstacles. The main objective of this paper is to examine and highlight the importance of companion arrangements in performing Hajj for individuals with disabilities. The rationale behind this study is to identify the challenges faced by disabled pilgrims during the Hajj process and how companion arrangements can alleviate these obstacles. Several studies reveal that without trained companions, individuals with disabilities often encounter difficulties with accessibility and comfort, which negatively impact their spiritual experience. For instance, research by Maratus Sholehah indicates that not all pilgrims have perfect physical health, particularly those with disabilities, who require special companions to guide and assist them during the pilgrimage in the Holy Land (Soleha, 2021, p. 65). Similarly, Puput Puji Lestari argues that the limitations of individuals with disabilities should not prevent them from performing Hajj. However, in reality, disabled groups still struggle to achieve equal rights and opportunities, including in performing Hajj. Many Hajj Guidance Groups (KBIHU) have yet to provide adequate special services for disabled pilgrims, often equating their services for non- disabled and disabled pilgrims alike (Lestari, 2021, p. 21). Therefore, this paper aims to offer constructive recommendations to strengthen policies and regulations regarding companion arrangements. This research is expected to contribute to developing an inclusive companion system, both in terms of arrangement and models of companionship, enabling individuals with disabilities to perform Hajj with greater ease and meaning. The main argument of this paper is that an effective arrangement of companions is crucial to ensuring the successful performance of the Hajj for individuals with disabilities. The rationale supporting this argument is that many individuals with disabilities face various barriers, both physical and emotional, which can hinder them from optimally performing the Hajj. Evidence supporting this claim comes from previous studies showing that the presence of trained companions can significantly enhance the