THE PHENOMENON OF HAJJ DEPARTURE CANCELLATION AMONG MANDAILING NATAL SOCIETY AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC: BETWEEN ALLAH’S CALL AND HUMANITY’S CALL

Abstract

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which is obligatory to accomplish for those who are capable in terms of physic, economy, and health. The number of Indonesian hajj pilgrims as the world’s most Muslim populous country elevates continuously year by year. The Government of Saudi Arabia cooperates with all Muslim populated countries to make regulations and understandings regarding the quota arrangement on the number of hajj and umrah pilgrims that are allowed to visit the two holy lands every year. In consequence, those regulations and understandings influence the waiting list for the hajj pilgrimage much longer, notably in these past two years amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to that condition, the Indonesian government has decided to cancel all hajj departures for life safety. It is unavoidable that some hajj pilgrims may feel disadvantaged by governments’ decision about the cancellation of hajj departure due to covid-19 pandemic situation. This study applies a qualitative descriptive method that aims to discover and provide constructive input regarding the regulations of the hajj pilgrimage during the pandemic and its position viewed through maqashid al-Syariah (the objective of Islamic law). The result of this study reveals that the Indonesian government has certainly considered all aspects to decide on the cancellation of the hajj departures during these two consecutive years. The main purpose of hajj departure cancellation by the Indonesian government is crucially beneficial because saving lives and maintains human safety and it is following one of five main objectives of Islamic sharia implementation (ad-dharuriyat al-Khamsa). Moreover, the Indonesian government and the community, in this context the hajj pilgrims, should build a positive relationship and work together to disseminate the policy regarding the hajj cancellation so that it removes misunderstanding and pro contra response in the community.