Family thankful their prayers have been heard

KLANG: For years Nor Az Lina, her late husband Dzulkefly Aris and their nine children would just stay at home and watch the festivities pass them by.

The family had no special treats or new clothes to look forward to during Hari Raya.

Their home was just a structure with gaping holes in the doors and windows, corrugated zinc as roofing, and with sand and stones floor covered up with old carpets.

Their plight caught the attention of Universiti Kuala Lumpur’s Undergraduates Charity Club four years ago but they had only managed to fix the flooring and the roof over the years.

Frustrated with the slow progress, club adviser and senior lecturer Adibah Zainualdin turned to her friends for help and they in turn shared her needs via Whatsapp.

Unexpectedly, contributions amounting to RM33,000 as well as donations in kind poured in within a week and Adibah said the house could be completed by October.

They will also be receiving furniture and electrical appliances, Adibah said.

“We are finally going to celebrate Hari Raya this year.

“I am thankful that our prayers have been heard,” said Nor Az Lina, 46, adding that she was overwhelmed to finally have a proper home.

However, the teary-eyed stay-at-home mother, whose children are between five and 24, said she was sad that Dzulkefly was not around to celebrate the festivities with them.

Dzulkefly, 50, who had been gravely ill for many years due to heart disease and acute diabetes, died in his sleep on May 30.

Nor Az Lina has been surviving on monthly financial aid and groceries provided by the Selangor Zakat Board.

Adibah said although the family was poor, Dzulkefly and Nor Az Lina ensured that the children remained in school.

“All of them attended a Chinese primary school and speak Mandarin flawlessly,’’ said Adibah adding that the eldest daughter, who is pursuing a course in International Business at the Mara Professional College, was the top scorer in her batch.

Two of Nor Az Lina’s children are pursuing a culinary course, while one is working and the rest are still in school.

Those who want to help the family can write to adibzain59@gmail.com.