Time to reunite and strengthen bonds
The meeting of the family of the late Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah Al Idrus took place on the second day of the Islamic new year.
Organising chairman for the reunion, Datuk Seri Prof Dr Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah Idid, 80, said the gathering of four generations was a great blessing.
The reunion was intended to create a lasting bond and good memories for future generations, said Prof Syed Arabi, one of the couple's grandsons.
'Our gatherings are close-knit and this was a momentous milestone in the family's long-standing tradition of coming together just after Maal Hijrah that marks new beginnings for all to cherish,' he said.
Prof Syed Arabi, currently serving at International Islamic University Malaysia's Communications Department, said Syed Mohammed Idid was one of the country's first Malay judges at Alor Setar High Court.
He said his grandfather was a man of high discipline and focus, and much respected in the community.
Prof Syed Arabi says his grandfather Syed Mohammed Idid was one of the country's first Malay judges serving at Alor Setar High Court.
On the reunion at Garden Hall, Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang, he said: 'It gathered everyone from the oldest family member Sharifah Salha Syed Abdullah Idid, 89, a former teacher from Alor Setar, Kedah, to the youngest Yasmin Al-Mashoor, who is only four months old,' he said.
Another grandson, Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid Syed Abdullah Idid, 87, said the gathering was wonderful as it brought most of the family members together and they used the time to foster a shared sense of purpose and bridge generational gaps.
It also offered the opportunity for those of the older generation to share stories with the younger generation, he said.
'It is a tribute to the family's rich legacy,' said Syed Ahmad, adding that this was the eighth reunion since 1991.
Syed Mohammed Idid Syed Ahmad Idid, 57, named after his great grandfather, said everyone should reconnect with their roots, share their family stories and continue building on the rich legacy left by their ancestors.
Family members looking at old photos of Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah collected throughout the generations.
'We must strive to get old copies of photos and add it to the genealogical chart.
'In doing so, we will contribute to the living history of the late Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah.'
Retired mechanical engineer Syed Jaafar Idid Syed Abdyllah Idid, 65, said he had drawn up a genealogical chart for future generations to better understand family connections.
'Our gathering offers all of us a space where descendants can reconnect with extended family and reflect on the resilience of family members,' he said.
Syed Razif Al Idid Syed Sidi Al Idid, 55, who travelled to the reunion from Singapore, said, 'It is wonderful to meet up with my family members.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Top STPM 2024 student credits academic success to Quran memorisation
ANYONE who excels in their studies must have their own unique strategies for success, and that's precisely what sets them apart. For Muhammad Irham Mazlan, 18, one of the eight top scorers in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), his approach is deeply rooted in discipline, faith and consistency. The Kelantan-born student, who scored 5As and a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00, attributes much of his academic success to his long-standing commitment to Quran memorisation. Image for illustrative purposes only. He began memorising the Quran in Form 1 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tok Bachok under the Tahfiz Model Ulul Albab programme, mastering 26 juzuk. Even after transferring to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Panglima Raja in Pasir Mas in Form 6, he remained istiqamah (consistent) in his efforts to continue his memorisation. According to Irham, the process of Quran memorisation not only instilled discipline but also sharpened his focus and memory, directly benefiting his academic performance. "If you can repeat a page of the Quran 40 times, revising academic subjects becomes much easier. Hafazan (memorisation of the Quran) trains the brain to focus and retain information," he told Sinar. Inspired by the same techniques used in his tahfiz journey, Irham adopted a structured study method for his academic revision, repeating notes, doing practice questions consistently and forming effective study habits. Irham, who is also Pre-University Student Representative Council president also credits his success to a small, committed study group he formed with his peers. He said although he was a day scholar and did not stay in the hostel, he and his friends received permission from the school principal to study late into the night, up to 11pm for boys and 7pm for girls, making full use of spaces like the surau, seminar hall and academic blocks. "We also implemented a mentor-mentee system and continuously drilled ourselves with past questions," Irham added. The Islamic values deeply embedded in the school's culture further supported his academic journey. Despite not being a religious school, the daily routine was rich in spiritual practices. Mornings began with Quran recitation, sunnah prayers and short tazkirah (sermon), while the afternoons included reciting Surah al-Waqiah, a routine he believes helped calm the soul and strengthen the spirit. Remarkably, he had already completed three full recitations of the Quran under the guidance of an ustazah (religious teacher) by the time he entered secondary school. To Irham, the Quran is more than a source of spiritual peace, it is a guide that provides structure, discipline and inner motivation to persevere. Looking ahead, he aspires to further his studies in law and syariah at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), hoping to continue his journey of balancing academic excellence with spiritual growth. To students out there striving for excellence, Irham's story is a powerful reminder that success doesn't come by chance, it's built on discipline, consistency and a clear sense of purpose. His approach, rooted in faith and smart study habits, shows that with the right mindset and effort, achieving top results is possible. Perhaps by adopting some of his tips, whether it's revising consistently, forming focused study groups, or staying grounded through daily spiritual practices, you too could be like Irham, achieving flying colours in your exams and making your own mark.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
DBP, Chinese school board host festival in Kuching to bridge communities through language
Azizul (second left) presents a copy of the book 'Evolusi Parlimen' to Lau during the press conference, as others look on. SIBU (July 4): The 2025 Language and Literature Festival, jointly organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch and The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board, will be held from July 7 to 9 at Balai Budaya, DBP Sarawak Branch in Kuching. More than just a celebration of language, the festival serves as a strategic platform to foster national cohesion by enhancing Bahasa Melayu proficiency among non-Malay students, particularly those from Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) and Chinese national-type Primary Schools (SJKC) in the Kuching and Samarahan zones. The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau highlighted the important role of ICSS in shaping well-rounded, multilingual citizens through its trilingual education model in Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, and English. 'As the national language, Bahasa Melayu connects our students to the broader Malaysian society. It breaks down language barriers, strengthens mutual understanding, and prepares them to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural environment,' he told a press conference at Wisma Huawen Do Zhong here yesterday. Lau pointed out that while ICSS continues to nurture students in their mother tongue, equal emphasis is placed on improving their proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and English—both crucial languages for higher education, professional development, and interethnic engagement. 'Fluency in Bahasa Melayu helps students interact smoothly beyond the classroom, opening doors to broader social networks and deepening understanding among communities,' he said. 'It also nurtures open-minded, globally aware individuals who are respectful of cultural diversity.' Lau noted that the association has worked closely with DBP Sarawak over the years to implement various national language programmes, including the annual Student Forum Competition, which aims at improving students' command of standard Bahasa Melayu and building their communication skills in practical, engaging ways. Echoing this vision, DBP Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail said the festival reflects the institute's commitment to fostering unity through language and literature, particularly among the young generation of diverse backgrounds. 'The festival is part of our annual efforts to cultivate a sense of national identity and unity in Sarawak's multiracial society. 'We want to provide a platform for non-Malay students to appreciate and embrace the beauty of Bahasa Melayu in an inclusive and encouraging environment,' he said. Azizul added that the initiative is aligned with the national unity framework 'Unity in Diversity' under the Malaysia Madani vision, which aims to instil shared values while respecting cultural plurality. 'Through this festival, we hope to nurture students who are not only proficient in the national language but also confident, articulate, and able to think critically and express themselves meaningfully in Bahasa Melayu.' The three-day festival will feature a range of activities, including literary appreciation sessions, language workshops, interschool competitions, and cultural performances, aimed at improving students' language skills and fostering national pride, empathy, and leadership values. The event is not limited to linguistic development, but also seeks to build lasting bonds across communities, starting from the classroom and reaching into society at large.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Teachers, ICT winning topics in MBPJ oration competition
An oration contest for secondary school students in Selangor, held in conjunction with Petaling Jaya Learning City Festival, has crowned its winners in the English and Malay language categories. English language category winner Noor Rashidah Aqilah Shaharuddin, 17, spoke on the topic 'Teachers: The Builders of the Future'. The SMK Damansara Damai student said she took less than a month to prepare her speech with the help of English teacher Norlin Syamiera Ab Halim. 'I prepared the points and my teacher helped me rehearse the presentation,' Noor Rashidah said. 'I spoke about how teachers instil knowledge in students to help them become purposeful individuals,' she said after receiving her prize comprising RM500, trophy and certificate from Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon. Maira Delisha (left) with Siti Kamariah. The Malay category winner was Maira Delisha Mohd Masnizam, 14, from Sekolah Agama Menengah Tinggi Tengku Ampuan Jemaah in Shah Alam. She spoke on 'Information and Communication Technology literacy for an informed society' and noted how it enables critical thinking. Her teacher, Siti Kamariah Kamari, who coached her for the competition, said Maira was a substitute contestant who only had three days to rehearse. The event was organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and held at Dewan Sivik.
