{
  "id": 10399173,
  "title": "Tabung Haji opens Haj appeals Oct 2, earlier start gives pilgrims more prep time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/tabung-haji-opens-haj-appeals-oct-2-earlier-start-gives-pilgrims-more-10399173",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T07:41:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/28/tabung-haji-opens-haj-appeals-oct-2-earlier-start-gives-pilgrims-more-prep-time/236875"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 - Tabung Haji (TH) will begin accepting appeals for the 1448H/2027 Haj season on Oct 2, a full month ahead of the previous year's schedule. TH Group CEO Mustakim Mohamad explained that this earlier start would provide potential pilgrims with more time to prepare financially, physically, and intellectually for the pilgrimage. He emphasized that the financial commitment for selected pilgrims is the complete Haj cost of RM33,300, in line with the principle of istito'ah, which is the duty to perform the Haj.\n\nApplications are open for depositors with a minimum of RM15,000 in their TH accounts. In addition to the earlier opening, TH has launched initiatives like the #menujuistitoah campaign and the Seruan Istito'ah plan to help depositors prepare systematically from an early stage. Appeals to perform the Haj ahead of a depositor's scheduled turn will be evaluated based on merit criteria, considering factors such as the length of registration, age, average TH account balance, regular savings patterns, frequency of previous appeals, and completion of TH's Basic Haj Course. Priority will also be given to appeals involving mahrams (close relatives forbidden by Islam to marry), companions of selected elderly pilgrims, and companions of selected persons with disabilities (PwD). The financial support for mahram or companion appeals will be based on the income group of the selected pilgrim they are accompanying, categorized as B40, M40, or T20. However, prospective pilgrims must also prepare their health for the journey, as their application approval depends on a medical screening. To enhance their understanding of Haj rituals, they are advised to attend TH's Basic Haj Course, which will be held at over 200 mosques across the country starting from Sept 25. All information regarding Haj appeals, applications, and status updates can be accessed through the THiJARI app or the TH website at www.thijari.com.my. For more details, the public can visit the Tabung Haji website or reach out to the Tabung Haji Contact Centre at 03-6207 1919.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Tabung Haji (TH) will open appeals for the 1448H/2027 Haj season via the THiJARI applicati...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Tabung Haji opens Haj appeals Oct 2, earlier start gives pilgrims more prep time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/tabung-haji-opens-haj-appeals-oct-2-earlier-start-gives-pilgrims-more",
        "published": "2026-09-28T07:41:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}