A stronger faith

ALIF Satar’s home is bustling with activity during the MCO. The singer-actor-TV host (pic) has three young children, including an eight-month-old.

“At the start of the MCO, it was a bit difficult as my wife and I had to balance work, household chores and our kids’ e-learning. It took time to adjust and, thankfully, we’ve been able to manage it,” he says.

On the MCO coinciding with Ramadan, Alif describes it as “a Ramadan to remember”, spending the extra time on self-reflection, improving on praying and reciting the Quran.

The singer is helping others find comfort in their faith during these uncertain times as well, with the release of his new single Damba CintaMu during Ramadan. It is a re-recording of a 1997 religious song – which sees the singer confess his failings and desire to turn back to God – by Raihan. The popular nasyid group joins Alif in this new rendisong tion.

“The is about how to be a better human being, a better Muslim and improving our relationship with God. With Covid-19 going on around the world, it’s a song that makes us stop and think. It touched me the first time I heard the song 23 years ago and I hope it will be the same for those listening to it now,” he offers. The 29-year-old is looking forward to Hari Raya, although it will be a more toned-down affair and having to forego some family traditions.

“I will miss cooking with my cousins and aunts. We’re all good cooks. But at least I would still be able to visit my faminearby. ly who lives

“I think we exceed 20 people (the maximum number of people allowed to visit a house at one time). So we’ll take turns instead of going all at once.”