'Mum, Dad ... we hope you are happy now with Him' - Orphans

'Mum, Dad ... we hope you are happy now with Him' - Orphans

Mariah Ahmad, Astro Awani | Kemas kini: July 03, 2015(Diterbitkan pada: July 03, 2015 01:47 +08)

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'Mum, Dad ... we hope you are happy now with Him' - Orphans
Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera was inspired by Johari Basri and his wife Suzana Jafar, to build a place for the orphans and the poor children.
I BIT my lips to stop it from trembling, my eyes began to tear as I watched the children at Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera milled about doing their daily routines during the Ramadan month.

They do their school homework together, religiously perform their congregational prayers and share similar hobbies.

Indeed, my visit to the shelter was an eye-opening experience. How else can one explain the emotions being surrounded by boisterous and conspicuous bright-eyed children who generate positive energy that can light the room with smiles likes theirs.

Welcome to Rumah Bakti
Nur Syaheera, an orphanage operated by husband-and-wife duo, Johari Basri and his wife, Suzana Jafar.

Tucked in the suburb not far from the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, the benevolent couple takes 30 orphans and underprivileged children under their custodians.

It is evident that the children, aged between four and 15, adore Johari and his wife, whom they passionately call 'mama' and 'abah'.

When the writer was given the opportunity to spend a day with them -- right from sahur time until tarawih prayers, the assignment was just to hard to resist.

I arrived at the shelter located in Taman Jaya Cheras just in time for sahur at approximately 4.30am. I arrived at the house that located in Taman Jaya, Cheras.

Upon arriving, the place was already a hive of activity, the children had woken up from their slumber to have their predawn meals.


'Wake up for sahur or I'll throw water in your face'

After sahur, the children would take turns to have their shower.

"We always let the youngest to bathe, followed by the elder ones later," said Nurambia Nafariesha, affectionately known as Ambia.

Ambia has been residing at the orphanage for more than seven years with his brother, Shaik Anuaridris.

"Sometimes it is extremely hard to wake them up for sahur, so as the head of the house I would have to constantly ensure that all the girls are awake to their meals. At times, I would just 'rinse' them with some water for those who appear so stubborn to wake up," said Ambia, drawing peals of laughter from her good friend, Anna Nur Fatihah who was seated beside her.

"After everyone has showered, we would perform our Subuh prayers," said Anna.

"We would take turns to become the imam during the congregational prayers," she added.

After they finished their prayers, the children religiously fetched the al-Quran to read. Such a heartwarming sight. I was totally humbled as I take in the sight of these young kids dutifully carrying out their roles as Muslims at such a young age.


Kun Anta impacts the kids

I stayed on and as the clock struck 2pm, their footsteps filled the home once again. They were back from school. 

Normally, during Ramadan, Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera would get numerous invitations to perform nasyid.

Today, they were due to perform the catchy Arabic song, Kun Anta (Be Yourself) made popularised by Hummod AlKhudher.

La la, La nahtajul ma-la, Kai nazdada jama-la, Jauharna huna, Fi qalbi talala... "

As their voices reverberated in the hall, my hair was standing on end. Such beautiful and melodious voices that could rival even the most talented singer in any reality shows ever produced in the country, (no pun intended!).

I remember telling myself, how these young talents are constantly busy during Ramadan. Their schedules are pretty much filled with singing invitations at breaking of fast ceremonies around Kuala Lumpur.


Wudhuk
Samson Zulkifli, 9, is taking ablution when he want to perform the noon prayer with other children in the Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera - Astro AWANI/MARIAH AHMAD

And to see how a young talent as Shaik taking the baton during their performances are just equally mesmerising.

"Shaik has a very melodious voice. He would often lead the nasyid performancse, and has always been the muezzin in this house, " said Suzana.

Between kurma (dates), maghrib and tarawih prayers

Around 6pm, the children are required to attend their al-Quran and hafazan recital sessions. Like a pro, they correct each other's reading without anyone telling them so.

After finishing reciting the al-Quran and hafazan, they dutifully adjourned to the dining hall, organising tables and chairs at the corridors for breaking fast.

"Usually, we will have tahlil with the ustaz that drops by the house occasionally. During iftar, we will have some dates and desserts before performing Maghrib prayers followed by rice after we finished praying," said Anna.

That day, Shaik was leading the tahlil, under the watchful eyes of the ustaz, who was constantly smiling as the former fluently recites verses from the al-Quran.


"Thank you Mama and Abah ... I don’t know how to repay your kindness.”

There is no doubt that the mixed emotions of sadness and melancholic were evident when I spent the day with them. The feeling should be hidden feelings as we know, tears can not replace loved ones, especially if the person named mother or father.

The children at this shelter was testimony that moving on is the best remedy.

"I'm not someone who likes to keep the memories. Of course we are sad, but we must move on. I’m that kind of person that if I’m happy, then I should just contain my sadness and continue to be contented with life. If I’m sad, then I just have to feel sad. I do not like to keep the memory, "said Ambia.

As the oldest of the pack, she takes on the role as the pillar of strength for the children, whom she regards as her own siblings.

"I love the presence of my friends here because they will always cheer me up when I'm down," said Shaikh.
 

For Anna, she is happy to be at the orphanage as the guardians and friends are constantly looking over her shoulder especially during times of distress.

"I've lived here since I was nine-years-old. I want to say thanks to Mama and Abah, who have been taking care of me," said Anna, as she hold back her tears. I wanted to reach out to hug her, but her strong-willed and determined persona held me back. Such a strong kid, I told myself.

"... I do not have anything to repay them. They will always look after me no matter what happen. I want to thank to Mama, Abah, who was taking care of me, my friends. I want to thank you very much.

"I'm not perfect, and sometimes I make mistakes. But Mama and my friends are always steadfast and patient with my temperament... thank you very much. I can only respond with prayers on their good deeds towards me,"  said Anna, as her gentle fingers slowly wiped the tears on her cheeks.

I was overwhelmed by emotions.

'Mum will be contented with us'

While I was there, it was clear that the children can read the of al-Quran. Most of them had memorised several verses by heart.

Looking at them, I told myself, “sejuk perut ibu mengandung ..."  (how comforting a mother carrying the child in the womb) to see her child at that instance.

I believed, in this life, nothing is coincidence ... it is all fate.

Seeing them at Rumah Bakti, I do believe that there is wisdom and that God has provided for us to look for it.

Praying
Mohammed Iman Ramadan, 12, was leading the noon prayer at  the orphanage in Taman Cheras Jaya Baru. - Photo Astro AWANI / MARIAH AHMAD

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Tag: rumah bakti nur syaheera, orphans