Wukuf At Arafah Feels Like A Life Flashback, Says TV Producer Jurey Latiff

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, June 1 Jun (Bernama) -- Performing the “wukuf” at the Plain of Arafah is an experience that deeply touches the soul, prompting a person to reflect on their entire life journey, including past mistakes, sins and memories.

The experience was shared by Malaysian Television Producers Association president Datuk Jurey Latiff Mohd Rosli.

He described the atmosphere at Arafah as resembling a powerful flashback scene, where every chapter of one’s life unfolds vividly in the mind.

“In film terms, being at Arafah is like a flashback scene. Every journey in life, every mistake, sin and action we have taken plays through our minds.

“The difference is that in films, emotions are enhanced by music, visuals and acting. At Arafah, everything comes naturally. Tears flow without being forced because the realisation is genuine and profound,” he told reporters here today.

The creative industry veteran, who has more than three decades of experience in television production, said performing the haj had taught him that real life can be far more moving than any story he has ever produced on screen.

Jurey, best known for the film “KL Menjerit”, said the sight of millions of pilgrims gathering at Arafah with a single purpose -- seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT -- created an atmosphere that was difficult to put into words.

“That was the moment we realised that no one is perfect. Everyone prayed, cried and hoped for Allah’s mercy. It was one of the most impactful moments of my haj journey,” he said.

Beyond the spiritual experience, Jurey also shared his experience as a Sahabat Maktab volunteer, assisting Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) personnel in managing the welfare of Malaysian pilgrims.

One of the most memorable incidents, he said, occurred in Mina when he encountered an elderly female pilgrim from Tawau, Sabah, who had become lost for nearly an hour after leaving her tent to go to the toilet.

“When I found her, she was already exhausted and in tears. She pointed to a tent and said it was where she was staying, but it was actually in the male pilgrims’ area.

“That was when I understood how pilgrims could easily get lost. From certain angles, many of the tents and blocks look almost identical, especially to elderly pilgrims who are tired,” he said.

Jurey said he subsequently assisted the woman by taking her in a wheelchair to a TH clinic before handing her over to the staff on duty.

Not long afterwards, he was informed that she had been successfully reunited with her husband and safely returned to her accommodation.

According to Jurey, many cases involving lost pilgrims stemmed from individuals leaving their tents without carrying their Nusuk cards.

Reflecting on his volunteer work, he said the spirit of service was deeply rooted in his family, noting that his late father, who performed the haj in 2000, had also served as a Sahabat Maktab.

“I believe that spirit came from my late father. When given the opportunity to assist pilgrims and support TH staff, I regard it as a trust that must be carried out to the best of my ability,” he said.

-- BERNAMA