SON HELPS FULFIL ELDERLY MOTHER’S DREAM OF PERFORMING HAJ

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MAKKAH, May 19 (Bernama) -- Driven by love and a deep sense of duty, Mohd Rodzi Che Noh did not think twice about setting aside his personal commitments to accompany his mother on her long-awaited pilgrimage to perform the haj.

The 38-year-old administrative assistant at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital is the youngest of seven siblings and is determined to ensure his mother, Sofiah Talib, 76, completes her pilgrimage in comfort and peace of mind.

“As a son, I feel it is my duty to help my mother realise this dream she has held onto for so long. This is my way of repaying her for all the sacrifices she made raising us with love and without a single complaint.

“No words can describe this feeling, but I promised myself I would be there to make sure everything goes smoothly for her. That is my dream too,” said Mohd Rodzi, who hails from Alor Setar, Kedah.

He shared that his mother had been saving whatever she could from her husband’s small paddy field earnings since she was 45, all in preparation for this spiritual journey.

Despite her limited mobility due to age, Mohd Rodzi said his mother’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire him.

He added that his father, who was supposed to accompany his mother, passed away in 2023, leaving him as the only hope to accompany her, a stage two breast cancer survivor, on the pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Sofiah, who appeared composed during the interview, expressed deep gratitude for finally being able to realise her dream and for being declared cancer-free in 2021.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to have someone with me. If I had to come alone, I don’t think I could do it because I’ve never been used to being on my own,” she said.

-- BERNAMA