The University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU) officially sent off its Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, along with 15 lecturers and staff members to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Land. The farewell ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 29, in the VIP Room of UMSU, located on Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3, Medan.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees, Dr. Bahril Datuk, M.M., Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum., Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., religious leader Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amiruddin, MS., MA, MBA, and the departing pilgrims.
In his remarks, Dr. Bahril expressed his gratitude for the increasing number of UMSU community members making the pilgrimage this year.
“We are truly grateful that many of our people are able to go, and we are especially thankful that our Rector is among them. This is a clear sign of Allah SWT’s calling,” he said.
He also reminded the pilgrims of the importance of maintaining sincere intentions and staying focused throughout the pilgrimage rituals.
“Success in Hajj is not just about the journey, but about how well we carry out each part of the ritual with sincerity and devotion. Depart with the intention to worship, strengthen your heart, and may you return in good health and with an accepted Hajj (haji mabrur),” he advised.
UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani shared that this was his first time going on Hajj, after having symbolically sent off UMSU pilgrims 15 times in the past.
“I registered in 2018, and Alhamdulillah, due to smooth coordination, I was informed that I could go this year,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation for the support and prayers from the entire UMSU family.
“We are deeply thankful for this send-off ceremony. Please keep us in your prayers so we may complete the pilgrimage smoothly, remain healthy, and return safely,” he added.
Following the speeches, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amiruddin, known affectionately as Buya, delivered a short sermon emphasizing the spiritual essence, logic, and wisdom of Hajj.
“We must understand the prohibitions during Hajj—refraining from indecency, misconduct, and disputes. The best provision for Hajj is piety (taqwa),” he said.
He also reminded the pilgrims that Hajj is an act of worship not always governed by logic, but by love and obedience.
“While there, remain humble. Approach it with humility. As guests of Allah, we should be like a corpse—void of arrogance. Be grateful and increase your good deeds,” he advised.
Buya also emphasized that while the pillars of Hajj must not be neglected, the recommended (sunnah) acts should be performed to the best of one’s ability.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic presentation of gifts as a gesture of respect and support. The tokens were presented by Vice Rector I Prof. Arifin and Dr. Bahril to the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, S.Ag., M.A., and Dr. Pinta Pudiyanti Siregar, M.Sc., Ph.D.
The departure of UMSU’s Rector and 15 academic staff to the Holy Land marks a significant spiritual and historic moment for the university. It is hoped that the spirit of worship and the values of Hajj will be brought back to inspire the entire campus community to continue instilling Islamic principles in both academic and social life.
