Orang Asli girl perseveres in fasting, faith
KUANTAN: “My first day of fasting was challenging. I was tired and thirsty, and by afternoon, I almost gave up,” said Azlin Jamaludin, a new Muslim convert who is observing fast for the first time this Ramadan.
However, the 17-year-old student of Program Pembangunan Tamadun Masyarakat Asli (Petama) said she mustered up her courage and held on until it was time to break fast.
“With the support of my sister Zairyen Jamaludin, 15, friends and ustazah, I presevered and am determined and comfortable fasting,” said Azlin.
Now, Azlin said, she was comfortable fasting and happy to fulfil the third pillar of Islam.
“I look forward to breaking fast because I get to eat with other Orang Asli students, including my ustazah and ustaz, who are supportive. I love curry puff and kuih lapis. After Maghrib prayers, we have rice and other dishes,” she said here yesterday.
Azlin, who hails from Kampung Rakoh, Pos Linjan, Lipis, said her parents embraced Islam a long time ago while her three brothers had yet to convert.
“This Ramadan, I have the opportunity to pray that my brothers, who are following the religion of our ancestors, would follow in our footsteps and embrace Islam,” said the fourth of seven siblings.
For Ajai Amran, 22, from Kampung Paya Rekoh, Temerloh, fasting for the first time is not a problem.
“I used to fast with my Muslim friends during Ramadan. This time around, it is different because I have converted. I recited syahadah (declaration of faith) five months ago before I was accepted into Petama.”
Ajai, who is from the Jahut tribe, said Ramadan was special this year because it had deepened his faith and piety to Allah.
“I’m grateful that my wish to embrace Islam and study at Petama have been fulfilled. I hope to become a preacher and teach Islamic teachings to the Orang Asli community in the interior.”