How this father's grief turned into a daily act of love

They say time heals all wounds, but for this father, love is what keeps the memory alive.
Every day for the past 14 years, Abdul Muiz visits his late son's grave.
A grieving father's love stretches far beyond what most can imagine. Nnot just in what he's willing to give, but also in what he's willing to lose. For 62-year-old Abdul Muiz Dzihni Abdul Aziz, that love has become a lifelong mission of remembrance for his late son, Abdul Jabbar, who passed away at just 18.
From the moment he first held his newborn son, Muiz's heart was full. But his joy turned to heartbreak when Jabbar was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer at just 17. There were moments of hope as his son showed signs of recovery, but everything changed when Jabbar developed pneumonia. The infection proved too much for his already weakened body and ultimately claimed his life. Abdul Muiz with his firstborn, Abdul Jabbar (far right), during his younger years.
For Muiz, the emotion that surfaced most was guilt, even though it was beyond his control and not anyone's fault.
Yet, perhaps driven by that lingering guilt or more truly, by the undying, unconditional love of a father, Muiz has visited his son's grave every single day since Jabbar's passing in August 2010. What began as an act of remembrance has become a routine. During each 30- to 45-minute visit, Muiz makes it a point to complete at least one chapter of the Quran, turning his grief into devotion.
An act of love anchored in religious devotion
He wasn't spared a fair share of criticism from the community, as his daily visits were seen as an uncommon practice. Abdul Muiz visits this grave everyday.
Despite the criticism, he sees it as encouragement — and a reminder to fellow Muslims to remember the dead, whether by visiting graves or praying from home.
'For me, there is almost no criticism, because most Muslims in the neighbourhood understand the reality of Alam Barzakh (the realm between life and the afterlife),' he said.
'All Muslims are aware of the virtues of the Quran, not just for those who are alive. What I am doing should serve as a reminder that those who have already passed away always benefit from our recitations and prayers,' he added. With Abdul Qahhar, the youngest son in the family.
Fathers are not always seen as heroes. But for Muiz, who lives with quiet grief and steadfast faith, he is a hero in the truest sense of the word. Abdul Jabbar, third from right, with his friends at school.
'As a father, I feel like doing so is part of my responsibility,' he said.
'Every visit reminds me of death, and I often think that this might be my last visit,' he added.
Muiz explained that Islam places great importance on reciting the Quran for the deceased, especially their children, and that visiting their graves is strongly encouraged, as it grants pahala (blessings) to both the living and the departed.
So this Father's Day, hold your father close in your thoughts, your prayers, or your presence because love like Muiz's, lives far beyond loss.
Happy Father's Day!
More Like This

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

a day ago

• The Star

Jumbo rampage destroys crops

Compiled by FAZLEENA AZIZ, TAN SIN CHOW AND R. ARAVINTHAN A HERD of wild elephants has wreaked havoc on a coconut plantation in Johor, destroying 6,000 trees and causing estimated losses of RM1.8mil over the past nine months, Kosmo! reported. The intrusions, which began in October last year, have devastated the Sedili Kechil Food Production Zone in Kota Tinggi involving crops cultivated by 32 entrepreneurs and six farming organisations. Pengerang Area Farmers' Organisation managing director Mohamad Azhar Din said 6,171 coconut trees were damaged. 'These elephants are believed to roam in small groups of three to five and typically strike during the night until dawn,' he said, adding that the most recent incidents on June 16 and 17 destroyed 380 trees and caused RM90,000 in losses. 'Those trees were planted in late 2023 and expected to begin bearing fruit by the end of next year.' He said numerous mitigation efforts had been implemented, including building fences and drainage systems and conducting patrols, as recommended by the Wildlife and National Parks Department. He warned that continued attacks by the elephants could undermine the state government's agrofood development. Previously, the plantation had only faced threats from monkeys, wild boars and rats. > Popular entertainer Nabil Ahmad has touched hearts online with his plan to transform his family home in Mambau, Negri Sembilan, into a madrasah. The multi-talented 42-year-old, whose full name is Ahmad Nabil Ahmad, shared on social media that the dream is close to becoming a reality. 'My mother had expressed her desire for our family home to become a madrasah for religious learning and events. 'She also hoped it could provide a source of income for our family as the land is ours,' he told Berita Harian. He said renovations are slated to start early next year, with the existing home to be demolished in order to make way for a small mosque. 'I also plan to build a tahfiz and provide accommodation for students and the ustaz. For starters, we will accept only male students and offer free Quran classes,' he said. Nabil added that he would consult the Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council on the process of land endowment and official establishment of the madrasah. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)

Barnama

4 days ago

• Barnama

MAINPP Launches Education Waqf Fund To Boost State's Education Development

GENERAL BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) today launched the Penang Education Waqf Fund to strengthen education development in the state. Deputy Chief Minister I and MAINPP president Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the fund, managed by MAINPP Waqf, aims to provide comfortable facilities, support digital learning and enhance character development among students. He said the fund could also help promising students from underprivileged families further their studies through the establishment of competitive knowledge centres that provide long-term benefits. 'The fund will support the State Education Department in developing relevant infrastructure and facilities,' he told reporters after launching the fund at the MADANI Community Islamic Carnival held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Penanti here today. He said key components of the education fund include wakaf ilmu (knowledge waqf), such as the purchase of books and equipment for resource centres. Mohamad also encouraged educators and the public, particularly Muslims in Penang, to contribute to the fund via direct donation, bank auto-debit or the QR code provided by MAINPP Waqf. Meanwhile, he said the second edition of the carnival this year was held in conjunction with the Penang Islamic Development Tour (APAI2030), with a focus on socio-economic development through waqf, a core pillar of the APAI2030 initiative. 'The socio-economic development of the ummah through waqf is essential to ensure that Muslims in Penang progress in tandem with the state's rapid development,' he said. He noted that this year's tour included not only carnivals at district mosques but also selected schools across all districts. The first carnival in the series was held at Masjid Abdullah Fahim, Kepala Batas, on May 17.

Sinar Daily

5 days ago

• Sinar Daily

What happens to qurban meat? Understanding its journey and meaningful distribution

Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution. The journey of Qurban meat is perhaps the most beautiful part of the ritual, a chain of giving that reflects Islam's deep concern for equity and care for the poor. Photo by Canva FROM choosing the right animal to making sure the meat reaches the right hands, Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution and fulfilling an amanah (trust) that extends far beyond the slaughter site. Federal Territories Mufti, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Prof Madya Dr Luqman Abdullah, shared a clear guide on the right way to perform qurban, and the responsibilities that come after, the respectful handling of the meat, the fair distribution, and the deeper intention behind every step. The first lesson is clear: not every animal qualifies as a qurban offering. Only certain livestock are eligible such as camels, cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Wild animals like deer or wild buffaloes are not allowed. Both males and females can be offered, whether they're fertile or castrated. But the eligibility doesn't stop at type, it goes deeper. The Mufti reminds us that animals must be healthy, well-fed, and free from any physical defects. That means no limping, no blindness, no broken horns, and certainly no signs of emaciation. There are even age guidelines: Camel: At least 5 years old Cow or Buffalo: At least 2 years old Goat: At least 2 years old Sheep: At least 1 year old or must have shed its front teeth This ensures the animal is mature enough, physically and symbolically for the sacred act of sacrifice. The Act of Slaughter: A Test of Skill, Faith, and Compassion Contrary to popular belief, the act of slaughter isn't just a physical ritual, it's a spiritual responsibility. 'Before the blade even touches the skin. Intention (niat) must be made,' said the Mufti. Whether it's a sunnah qurban or one that was nazar (vowed), the slaughterer must be a sane, practising Muslim, armed not just with a sharp knife but also deep understanding and respect. From choosing the right animal to making sure the meat reaches the right hands, Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution and fulfilling an amanah (trust) that extends far beyond the slaughter site. Photo: Canva Here's how the act unfolds: The animal is laid gently on its left side, facing the qiblah. It is restrained but never harmed, using proper tools. The slaughterer recites 'Bismillah Allahuakbar' and sends blessings upon the Prophet SAW. The knife is then swiftly drawn across the neck, cutting the trachea, oesophagus, and both major arteries. And in the quiet that follows, the du'a is whispered: 'Allahumma inna hadza minka wa laka fataqabbal minni' ('O Allah, indeed this is from You and for You, so accept it from me.') The emphasis here is on speed, mercy, and precision so the animal does not suffer, and the act remains dignified. What Happens to the Qurban Meat After the Slaughter? If you've ever wondered where Qurban meat goes after the sacrifice, you're not alone. The journey of Qurban meat is perhaps the most beautiful part of the ritual, a chain of giving that reflects Islam's deep concern for equity and care for the poor. But here's a key distinction: not all Qurban meat is treated the same. If one cow is shared among seven people, some performing wajib (obligatory) qurban, others doing sunnah qurban or even aqiqah, it becomes vital to separate the shares according to their intention. Why? Because: Wajib Qurban meat must be fully distributed to the needy Sunnah Qurban allows the owner to consume a portion Aqiqah meat has its own separate rulings Don't Sell the Skin (or Any Part of It) There are strict boundaries around what can be done with qurban parts, especially when it comes to payment. As explained by classical scholar Sheikh Zakaria al-Ansari, it is haram to sell any part of the qurban animal including the skin, horns, or even giving them as payment to the butcher. Instead, the owner may keep the hide for personal use or gift it to someone who can benefit from it, while any parts of the animal that are unusable should be respectfully buried. When done correctly, Qurban is more than just a ritual. It's a lesson in sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and community. It reminds us that faith isn't just about prayers or fasting, it's about how we care for others, especially those with less. So this Eid al-Adha, when the blade meets flesh and the takbir fills the sky, remember: the qurban is not just what you give up—but what you give forward.