HULU LANGAT, March 21 — Hari Raya Aidilfitri is typically celebrated with loved ones, but for residents of Rumah Jagaan Mahmudah, Syawal arrives in a different atmosphere — never in solitude.
Behind the doors of this care centre, life carries on as usual, with routines, prayers, and hopes gradually shaping a new kind of family among its residents.
For 70-year-old Faridah Isa, who has been living there since 2022, Aidilfitri initially felt empty. But time has taught her to accept her fate with a more open heart.
Fellow residents have since become a substitute for family, while visits from outsiders who come to spend time with them help enliven the festive spirit.
“It feels nice when people come to visit us. Even though we cannot go out, it shows that we are still remembered,” she said softly.
The first day of Aidilfitri at the centre begins as early as 4.30am with tahajud prayers, followed by the dawn prayer and Aidilfitri sunat prayers, along with Qu'ran recitation before sharing a festive meal together.
“I still remember eating together with my family in the past. Back then, festive dishes included nasi dagang and nasi kerabu, but here it is different,” said the Kelantan-born resident.
Living with multiple chronic conditions, Faridah now acknowledges that her life is better managed at the care home.
“Living here is very comfortable. Food, drink and medication are all taken care of,” she said, while sharing a heartfelt message with the public.
“Take good care of your family. Do not forget your parents when they grow old; they are the ones who raised us," Faridah said.
For Hazahari Mohd Noor, 55, celebrating Aidilfitri here is no longer unfamiliar. Since moving in during 2023, he has experienced four Syawals without his family by his side.
While he was once overwhelmed with sadness, he has now learned to accept it with grace.
“At first, I felt very sad, but now, Alhamdulillah (God be praised), I consider everyone here as my family,” he said.
The festive cheer remains, thanks to public contributions and an abundance of food.
“This year I received three sets of baju raya. The food is plentiful and varied; no resident goes hungry,” Hazahari said.
Yet behind the smiles, cherished memories remain.
“During Aidilfitri, I miss my late father, my late mother, and my child, from whom I have been separated for years,” he said quietly.
Despite being surrounded by supportive companions, the longing for his only child has never faded.
“I still hope that one day I will be able to meet them again before I pass on,” Hazahari added.
Meanwhile, the youngest resident, 39-year-old Nor Aliff Mohd Nor, is experiencing his first Aidilfitri at the centre after being admitted in October 2025 due to health issues.
For Aliff, this Syawal carries a deeply different, and even special, meaning.
“I’m happy because the last time I truly experienced Aidilfitri was in 2015, when my father was still alive. After that, it felt like I no longer understood what celebration meant,” he said.
Since becoming partially paralysed in 2022, Aliff's life has changed completely. However, at the centre, he has rediscovered something long lost: peace and guidance.
“Since coming here, I have changed a lot, especially in fulfilling my prayers. The last time I completed the Qu'ran was in secondary school, but here, I complete it every two weeks.
"They teach us a lot about religion and motivation,” he said.
For Aliff, Aidilfitri is not merely about new clothes or special dishes, but about togetherness.
“I have long felt the absence of a father. When I shake hands with the uncles here, it feels like a replacement for greeting my father.
"It is not quite the same, but I can still feel the warmth,” he said.
Yet deep in his heart, hope remains.
“If possible, I want to reunite and celebrate Aidilfitri with my siblings like before,” Aliff said.
At Rumah Jagaan Mahmudah, Aidilfitri may no longer be what it once was.
But amid the absence, the residents are building a new meaning of family; not only those bound by blood, but also those who are present in times of greatest need.
