Semarang, UNDIP (23/4) – Universitas Diponegoro held a send-off ceremony for its 2026 Hajj pilgrims, attended by 23 lecturers and educational staff members from various faculties and work units. The solemn event took place at the Abdurrahman Mosque, Widya Puraya Rectorate Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, serving as both a moment of spiritual reflection and an opportunity to strengthen togetherness within the university community.
The event began with congregational Dhuhr prayer, followed by the official send-off ceremony attended by university leaders, lecturers, educational staff, and the pilgrims’ spouses. In a warm atmosphere filled with heartfelt prayers, the prospective pilgrims received moral support and spiritual encouragement before their departure.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., in his remarks, encouraged the pilgrims to perform the Hajj with sincerity, awareness, and a positive mindset. According to him, the spiritual journey in the Holy Land is an inner experience whose impact extends beyond the pilgrimage itself and continues after returning home.
“The Hajj pilgrimage is a truly special journey. Make the most of every moment, increase your prayers, and maintain a positive mindset. Good thoughts bring health, peace, and strength in carrying out every stage of worship,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
Furthermore, the Rector emphasized that the true sign of a blessed (mabrur) Hajj is reflected through positive behavioral changes and greater contributions after returning home. He expressed hope that the pilgrims would become role models in their communities and increase their positive impact on society. “After returning from the Holy Land, may the values and goodness gained not stop within yourselves but spread even further. If our contributions were already good before, then after Hajj they should become even greater—more noble and valuable,” he added.
Prof. Suharnomo also reminded the pilgrims to maintain their health, patience, and unity during the pilgrimage. He emphasized that Hajj requires not only physical and mental readiness but also the ability to help and respect one another.
Meanwhile, UNDIP Vice Rector III for Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal Affairs, and Organization, Prof. Dr. Adian Fatchur Rochim, S.T., M.T., explained in his report that the send-off ceremony reflected the institution’s support and care for members of the academic community performing Hajj, while also serving as an occasion to strengthen relationships and offer collective prayers. He noted that in 2026, a total of 23 pilgrims from various faculties and work units at UNDIP, including lecturers, educational staff, and their spouses, would undertake the pilgrimage.
“We hope all pilgrims are granted health, safety, and ease in carrying out every aspect of worship in the Holy Land and return home as blessed Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
Representing the pilgrims, Prof. Anis Chariri, S.E., M.Com., Ph.D., Akt., expressed gratitude and emotion for receiving the opportunity earlier than expected. Initially scheduled to depart in 2027, his pilgrimage was moved forward to 2026 following updated data in November 2025.
According to him, this acceleration was a blessing to be grateful for as well as a responsibility that required careful preparation, considering that Hajj demands physical, mental, and spiritual readiness. He also asked for prayers from the entire academic community so that all pilgrims could carry out every stage of worship smoothly.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for the pilgrims’ safety, smooth journey, and acceptance of their Hajj. The emotional atmosphere was filled with prayers asking for God’s protection throughout their pilgrimage. This occasion also reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to developing academically excellent individuals who are spiritually mature and socially responsible, in line with the university’s vision of becoming more noble and valuable. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
