Indonesian Minister Urges Umrah Pilgrims to Show Tolerance
Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah advises pilgrims to show politeness, wisdom, and tolerance during their spiritual journey in the Holy Land.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf—affectionately known as Gus Irfan—provided important guidance to Indonesian Umrah pilgrims prior to their departure for the Holy Land. Based on reports compiled from detikHikmah and Republika, the Minister urged all pilgrims to consistently prioritize politeness, wisdom, and tolerance throughout their worship in Makkah and Madinah.
This appeal was delivered directly by Gus Irfan as he greeted pilgrims waiting for their departure schedule at Terminal 2F of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) in Tangerang on Friday (November 6, 2026, UTC+7). This inspection took place just before he flew to Saudi Arabia to carry out official duties. The Minister and his accompanying delegation of officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) were warmly welcomed by the pilgrims, who took the opportunity to shake hands and converse with him directly.
The Minister's Message on Diversity in the Holy Land
According to reports from detikHikmah and Republika, Gus Irfan reminded the pilgrims that during their Umrah journey, they will encounter thousands of Muslims from all corners of the world. Each pilgrim brings a distinct cultural background and a variety of different worship practices. Therefore, calmness and mutual understanding are essential to preserve the solemnity of the journey, as practiced in tips for maintaining faith while traveling.
Quoting detikHikmah and Republika, Gus Irfan emphasized the importance of approaching these diverse environments with maturity and wisdom:
"Brothers and sisters, our Umrah pilgrims, please continue to prioritize wise behavior when facing a different place and a different atmosphere, both in terms of culture and the methods of worship practiced by other pilgrims from all over the world."
According to detikHikmah, this statement was followed by a prayer from the Minister for the smooth execution of the pilgrims' worship. detikHikmah recorded Gus Irfan's prayer as follows: "I also pray that your worship runs smoothly, that all of you attain an accepted Umrah (mabrur and mabrurah), and that you return safely to the homeland."
Hero's Day Momentum and Family Exemplary Conduct
In addition to offering guidance on etiquette in the Holy Land, the Minister emphasized that the Umrah journey—coinciding with the atmosphere of November—should serve as a momentum for self-improvement. According to reports from Republika and detikHikmah, performing Umrah in November, which is commemorated as Hero's Day month, is expected to inspire pilgrims to become role models of goodness upon their return to Indonesia.
As reported by Republika, Gus Irfan conveyed this message of exemplary conduct to the pilgrims:
"The exemplary conduct of you, the Umrah pilgrims, as family heroes is needed to shape the generation that will inherit the leadership of the nation. You are also performing Umrah in November, the month of Hero's Day."
Meanwhile, detikHikmah noted the Minister's statement concisely: "The exemplary conduct of you, the Umrah pilgrims, as family heroes to shape the generation that will inherit the nation's leadership." It is hoped that the status of an accepted Umrah will be reflected in actions that benefit families and the surrounding community.
Supervision of Services and Travel Bureau Duties (PPIU)
Alongside delivering moral appeals to the pilgrims, the Minister's visit to Soekarno-Hatta Airport was also utilized to monitor the operations of Terminal 2F, which has been designated as a Special Hajj and Umrah Terminal since July 1, 2026. According to reports from both outlets, this designation aims to enhance administrative order and traveler comfort during departures and returns.
Based on reports from detikHikmah and Republika, Gus Irfan requested that Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU) optimize the available terminal facilities, which include:
- Document inspection and immigration facilities
- Luggage handling services for pilgrims
- Operational monitoring posts
The Minister stressed that travel providers must not focus solely on departure procedures, but must also guarantee comprehensive protection and adequate sharia guidance for every pilgrim. This sharia guidance forms a vital part in helping pilgrims perform their worship accurately amidst travel administration arrangements, much like understanding tips and advantages of Umrah with sharia credit at BFI Finance.
Quoting detikHikmah and Republika, the Minister issued strict instructions to Umrah travel agencies:
"Ensure departure and return tickets are secured, accommodation is confirmed, catering is managed, and above all, the sharia activities or Umrah jurisprudence (fiqh) are guaranteed to comply with sharia provisions."
According to detikHikmah, the Minister added his hope that certainty regarding sharia provisions will give pilgrims greater confidence so that the Umrah pilgrimage can serve as a medium to draw closer to Allah. Fulfilling this sharia guidance also assists pilgrims in applying tips for maintaining consistency in worship amidst busyness throughout the course of the journey.
Differences in Media Reports
There are several minor differences in the reports regarding the Minister's visit:
- Nature of the Visit: detikHikmah described the visit as an impromptu trip to Soetta Terminal 2F on Friday (November 6, 2026) morning before departing for official duties in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Republika reported the activity as a moment of greeting pilgrims within the framework of the Minister's working visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Source of Statements: detikHikmah mentioned that the Minister's appeal was delivered in a press statement, whereas Republika noted that the appeal was released via a press release on Sunday (November 8, 2026).
Wisdom and the Value of Politeness in Worship
The message of politeness and mutual respect conveyed by the Minister serves as a reminder of the importance of noble character (akhlakul karimah) when interacting with fellow Muslims from diverse cultural backgrounds. Being in a holy place alongside millions of pilgrims from various corners of the globe demands broad-mindedness and mutual respect, ensuring that diverse customs and traditions are approached with warmth and Islamic brotherhood.
