E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 662 Strengthening Technical and Interpersonal Competencies Through various forms of involvement during the internship program, the author not only gained an understanding of the service system and management of the Umrah pilgrimage but also acquired valuable experiences in building social relationships, developing communication skills, and enhancing a sense of responsibility in providing services to others. These experiences strengthened the author’s readiness to face the professional world in the future, particularly in the field of Hajj and Umrah services. Based on the activities and documentation collected throughout the program, there was a significant improvement in several key aspects of competency. The strengthening of competencies can be classified into four main areas of development as follows: First, there was an improvement in the technical competency aspect as a mutawwif. The author had the opportunity to directly learn about accompanying pilgrims during the Umrah rituals, including providing guidance, reciting prayers, and delivering explanations regarding the procedures and meanings of worship at the holy sites. The expertise of a mutawwif encompasses the ability to guide pilgrims spiritually, logistically, and educationally (Qomaruddin, 2021). Second, there was an enhancement in the ability to manage Umrah services. The author was involved in the coordination and implementation of various services for pilgrims, such as transportation arrangements, room assignments, grouping of pilgrims, and luggage distribution. Through these activities, the author gained practical knowledge of how Umrah services are managed systematically, efficiently, and professionally. Third, the program contributed to strengthening ethical communication and the ability to accompany pilgrims. The author learned to interact politely, patiently, and empathetically, especially when dealing with elderly pilgrims. Professional and empathetic attitudes proved to be crucial elements in building pilgrims’ trust toward their guides. In the context of religious services, effective communication requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and cultural dimensions (Nurdin, 2022). Fourth, valuable experiences were also gained through participation in daily activities at Yayasan Ma’had An-Nur Bakti in Madinah al-Munawwarah. The author served as a mentor in assisting the smooth implementation of student activities, accompanied them in Qur’an memorization programs at the Prophet’s Mosque, and was involved in various other operational activities within the Ma’had environment. This experience strengthened teamwork abilities, social relationship-building skills, and the cultivation of responsibility in the context of service and devotion (Amin, 2024).