PUTRAJAYA: At just 21 years old, Muhammad Syakir Alif Che Razali has taken bold steps by establishing a company that offers offering Umrah and Hajj services – an entrepreneurial venture that is uncommon for someone of his age.
The confidence of the young man from Bachok, Kelantan, to lead Hijrah Alliance Travel Sdn Bhd since the beginning of this year came after he realised the immense potential in the sector, which not only offers business opportunities but also provides deep spiritual value.
According to Muhammad Syakir, his interest in the industry grew after completing a one-month internship in Makkah while pursuing a Diploma in Hajj and Umrah Management at YEG Academy.
“Initially, I was introduced to the industry by my family, as my father previously ran a similar company, but it was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, I have always aspired to own my own company before turning 25.
“However, I eventually realised that guiding Umrah pilgrims is a noble task because, aside from generating income, I also earn blessings. It’s a win-win for both this world and the hereafter,” he said when met by Bernama recently.
Currently, Muhammad Syakir Alif is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Hajj and Umrah Management, which was introduced as part of the campaign to develop professional experts for the Hajj and Umrah industry by 2025.
“For me, theory and practical knowledge are two different things. Theoretical studies are important to complement the practical experience I have. I want to gain a deeper understanding of the Umrah and Hajj management world, which is why I need this knowledge to further expand my company,” he said.
The former student of Maahad Muhammadi Lelaki in Kelantan also aspires to obtain the Hajj Pilgrim Organiser licence within the next five years. Along with two of his close friends, he currently manages over 60 Umrah pilgrims and aims to organise six trips to Makkah and Madinah each year.
Muhammad Syakir Alif’s proficiency in Arabic has become a valuable asset in managing Umrah services, allowing him to communicate effectively with both pilgrims and authorities in the holy land.
“Arab people place great value on their language and are not particularly fond of using English. With this advantage, I can communicate more smoothly with both the pilgrims and the authorities in the holy land,” he explained. – BERNAMA
