Selamat Hari Raya

Today is the eve of Hari Raya. Most people who are celebrating the Raya has already on leave, but some are still working, not able to go home a celebrate the Raya with their family and friends.

While I was leaving my office at 6.00pm, I saw my office cleaner, a young man in his early 20's who are very polite, hardworking and never fail to say hi to me everytime when I bump into him. While we were waiting for the lift, I asked him if he is going back hometown to celebrate Raya (not knowing that he is not a Malaysian). He replied to me with a soft voice, no. Then he told me he was from Indonesia. The moment he replied me, I can see that his eyes turn red and watery. Then I asked him, how long have you been here? He replied, 3 months. By then, I can see that he really miss his home, especially during the Raya. I feel so sad and deeply in my heart, I wish I can do something for him...but at that moment, I couldn't think of any ways. I really feel so sad....

Everyone gets to celebrate with the family, but this young man couldn't. All he can do is to think about his family from a strange land to him, and see others celebrating. I feel so down the moment I stepped out from the lift at LG. In my mind, I thought of buying him dinner for buka puasa but he didn't got out at LG. The lift was crowded and I don't know how he might feel if I suddenly offer him money for dinner. At the end, I managed to wish him and saw him smiling back to me. I just hope he is fine.

I belief he is not the only young man out there who have left the family for work in other places. It is not an easy move and many challenges awaiting for these people, but I just hope during the festive seasons, everyone can be happy, no hatred and fill with forgiveness. Appreciate the opportunity to be with you love ones...

Here, I would like to wish my Muslin friends, Selamat Hari Raya and happy holidays to my non-Muslim pals.