Kuala lumpur: "Thank you, Mum. if not for you starting to save and plan since I was young, I might not be here today."

Those were the heartfelt words of gratitude from Eusoff Azman, 18, one of Malaysia's youngest haj pilgrims for the 2026 season, as he expressed appreciation to his mother after being given the opportunity to perform the fifth pillar of Islam at a young age. Eusoff, from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, shared that his mother had opened a savings account and registered his name with the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in 2008, when he was an infant.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Eusoff remarked, "My mum registered me when I was very young; at that time, I didn't understand anything. Alhamdulillah, this year my name was called (to perform the haj)." He expressed that it was only upon arriving in the Holy Land that he truly comprehended the depth of his mother's planning, not just for his worldly future, but also for his spiritual journey since infancy.

Eusoff, who is a former Royal Military College (RMC) student, described the opportunity to perform the haj at the age of 18 as the most meaningful experience of his life. It marked his first travel abroad without family accompaniment. He is the fourth of six siblings and noted that both his parents and some of his siblings had already performed the haj, emphasizing the importance of saving from a young age.

Despite traveling solo, Eusoff mentioned he never felt alone, as his roommates, who are much older, treated him like family. "I am the youngest in the group. My roommates are all in their 50s and 60s, but they treat me like their own child. They are always looking out for me, asking whether I have eaten or returned to the room," he shared.

Eusoff highlighted the lessons learned in the holy city, from worship practices to respecting elders and understanding the value of brotherhood. He credits his experience in Makkah for providing a new perspective on his parents' sacrifices, appreciating the consistent efforts to save and realize his spiritual aspirations.

Eusoff aspires for his story to inspire young parents to plan their children's haj journeys early. "Perhaps children may not understand it now. but one day they will realise that a parent's love is not only about raising us, but also about paving the way for us to reach the Baitullah," he expressed.