A chance to start all over
Delinquents go on soul-searching journeys to be better persons
HULU TERENGGANU: Ramadan is a solemn month marked with fasting, abstinence and prayer, but for a few others, the holy month is also a time for reflection, renewal and self-forgiveness.
In a small commune hidden on the banks of the Terengganu river, several delinquents are trying to do just that in hopes of starting their lives anew.
Known as the Madrasah Khairul Insan in Kg Jenagor here, the hopefuls fill their day with prayer, community work and music.
About 200 people live in this rustic setting about a five-minute boat ride from the mainland, with limited electricity supplied by generators while water is sourced from the nearby river.
Despite its Spartan nature, it has helped over 100 people, especially drug abusers, some of whom decided to stay on and help others down the path to recovery.
One such individual is a self-confessed drug abuser, Nor Amirul Aswad Zaharin.
The 28-year-old from Kemaman checked himself into the commune to kick the habit from years of substance abuse.
“I want to do this for myself as well as make my mother happy again,” he said when met at the commune.
The son of an imam and a kindergarten teacher, Nor Amirul said he started the habit as a way to fit in with his friends in secondary school, who were much better off.
What started off as drug abuse soon turned to small-time drug dealing, which he admitted to making a small fortune from.
“I would make about RM12,000 a month, which would go into motorcycles and helmets
because I’m a big motoring fan,” he said.
One day, he decided enough was enough and made efforts to wean himself off drugs – but took to the bottle instead.
“I was weak so I decided to come here where it is peaceful and there is a great support group,” he said.
He added that he has also renewed his faith while at the commune, saying that he has started fasting and praying, whereas before he would neglect such religious obligations.
He said such obligations are made much easier with support from the community.
“It has made Ramadan more meaningful for me,” he said.
When asked if he had made a full recovery after being in the commune for about two years, Nor Amirul said it was a work in progress.
“I will continue to work on myself for as long as it takes and I wish to be buried here too,” he said.