29/05/2025

First page Previous page 6 Next page Last page

THURSDAY | MAY 29, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

Filial duty driven by love

‘Comply with rules to avoid consequences’ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians planning to perform haj are reminded to comply with procedures set by the Saudi government, as failure to do so could result not only in individual penalties but also impact the nation. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said Saudi Arabia had previously suspended pilgrims from 14 countries due to visa violations. “I have issued this warning many times before. Don’t let our stubbornness and breaking of rules set by the Saudi government cause problems for other pilgrims now and in the future. “If this happens again, it’s not just the individual who will face consequences, but the entire country may be affected. This includes a possible reduction or suspension of our haj quota,” he said after launching the Al-Falah Pavilion at the 46th Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair on Tuesday. He was commenting on media reports that 63 Malaysians have been deported from Mecca since May 24 for not possessing valid haj visas. Mohd Na’im said such violations could also lead to severe consequences for the individuals involved, including fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyal (RM113,094) and being blacklisted from entering the kingdom for at least five years. However, he said Lembaga Tabung Haji has not received any official complaints regarding the deportations. On reports of alcohol parties held at two five-star hotels in Malacca, Mohd Na’im said such events were inappropriate under Islamic law, especially at hotels with halal certifications. “The organisation of events that go against Islamic teachings should be subjected to action by relevant authorities.” Earlier, Malacca Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the state Islamic Religious Department had revoked the Malaysian Halal Certification for two hotels in Banda Hilir, after they were found to have hosted alcohol parties. – Bernama

MECCA: Driven by love and a deep sense of duty, Mohd Rodzi Che Noh did not think twice about setting aside his personal commitments to accompany his mother on her long-awaited pilgrimage to perform the haj . The 38-year-old administrative assistant at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital is the youngest of seven siblings and is determined to ensure his mother, Sofiah Talib, 76, completes her pilgrimage in comfort and peace of mind. “As a son, I feel it is my duty to help my mother realise this dream she has held on to for so long. This is my way of repaying her for all the sacrifices she made raising us with love and without a single complaint. “No words can describe this feeling, but I promised myself I would be there to make sure everything goes smoothly for her. That is my dream too,” said Mohd Rodzi, who is from Alor Setar in Kedah. He shared that his mother had been saving whatever she could from her husband’s small padi field earnings since she was 45, all in preparation for this spiritual journey. Despite her limited mobility due to age, Mohd Rodzi said his mother’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire him. He added that his father, who was supposed to accompany his mother, passed away in 2023, leaving him as the only hope to accompany her, a stage two breast cancer survivor, on the pilgrimage. Sofiah, who appeared composed during the interview, expressed gratitude for finally being able to realise her dream and for being declared cancer-free in 2021. “ Alhamdulillah , I’m happy to have someone with me. If I had to go alone, I don’t think I could do it because I am not used to being on my own,” she said. As the mother and son embark on their sacred journey, they are joined by thousands of others who carry their own stories of devotion and transformation. o Man accompanies 76-year-old mother to ensure long-awaited haj pilgrimage performed in comfort

Mohd Rodzi and Sofiah visiting a shop in Mecca. – BERNAMAPIC

Among them is Mohd Saufi Lim Abdullah, 71,who has finally set foot on the Holy Land to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam 36 years after embracing Islam. Born Kris Lim and of Baba and Nyonya heritage, Mohd Saufi described his conversion as the most profound spiritual turning point in his life. From the moment he accepted Islam, the dream of performing the haj became a goal he carried in his heart. “I was overwhelmed with emotion and thought, why wasn’t I told earlier that Islam is the truth, that it helps us to better ourselves. Islam is not just a set of teachings but a way of life. It taught me how to be a better human being,” he told Bernama when met at Abraj Al Tayseer here recently. Mohd Saufi, who lives in Bintulu, Sarawak, said he experienced a watershed moment when he was 35 and active as a preacher of another faith involved in overseas missions, including the Philippines. “When the economy took a downturn, I was sent to a house of worship in Johor Bahru.

“I became friends with Malay youths who showed me the beauty of Islam. They set a good example, which drew me in.” He said before he accepted the Islamic faith, he had a strange dream that marked his spiritual journey, in which he saw himself caught in a struggle between his former beliefs and the Islamic faith. “I dreamt that I had one foot on a boat while the other was on a jetty. The boat represented my former religion and the sturdy jetty symbolised Islam,” he added. Mohd Saufi recited the syahadah (declaration of faith) at the Johor Islamic Religious Council office in 1989, a month after his dream. “I am the eldest of 10 siblings. Seven of us have (embraced) Islam. Among my main prayers in front of the Kaabah is for all my family members who have yet to accept Islam to receive guidance toward the right path. “I pray Allah makes me a beacon to guide them to Islam. “That was my vow when I first laid eyes on the Kaabah because my family is my greatest love,” he said.

Education matters remain an important component of Malaysian society. Today the landscape is fast paced with new exciting developments in technology such as AI, coding, virtual reality, and cybersecurity, leading the way for changes in curriculum development. To showcase the latest and most updated content, we invite you join us in 2025, and be part of our Education Focus!

Malaysian Paper

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker