Syafiq's devastated mum finds solace at his grave every single week

New Straits Times

17-05-2025

JOHOR BARU: On the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Aini Mohd Sharif's heart skipped a beat.
For a brief moment, she thought the phone would ring — but then realised it never would.
A small part of her still believed her son, Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said, would call to wish her well.
"I was expecting a call from him, even though I knew he's no longer with us," the 58-year-old told the New Straits Times.
"He was the kind of son who always called to check on me, and never failed to ask if I had eaten," she said of Syafiq, who was one of two policemen killed in the brutal attack on the Ulu Tiram police station last year.
Since Syafiq's death, Aini has not missed a single week at his grave.
"Every Friday, I go to be with him. I still talk to him at his final resting place at the Muslim cemetery in Kuantan, Pahang," she said.
Syafiq was her seventh child of eight children, and the one she felt closest to.
"He was serious by nature, but very affectionate with me.
"Even after being posted to Johor, he never failed to call," she said.
"On my birthday, he would always ask what I wanted to eat."
Moving on has not been easy. Only recently did she bring herself to part with his belongings.
"I gave away his clothes to family members and close relatives. It was difficult at first.
"Every corner of the house still reminds me of him," she said, her voice breaking during a phone call.
In accordance with Islamic tradition, Aini has ensured that all of Syafiq's religious obligations have been performed. But there is one more wish she hopes to fulfil.
"If Allah wills it, I want to perform the haj for him. It's the least I can do for my boy," she said.
Syafiq's father, Ahmad Said Md Piah, 66, a former soldier, said no parent should have to bury their child.
On the day of his son's funeral, hundreds came to pay their respects — including Syafiq's police comrades.
"Seeing his coffin, draped in the Jalur Gemilang, carried with full honours by his fellow officers made me proud. I knew his sacrifice was not in vain," he said.
Syafiq had long dreamt of joining the police, even giving up plans to study at a private college to join the force.
"Three of his older brothers serve the nation too — two are in the army and one in the police. It was in his blood," Ahmad said.
Aini recalled advising Syafiq to delay his marriage plans due to the demands of his new job — a request her son never questioned.
"We love our children, but Allah loves them more," she said.
"I've accepted His will. But as a mother… I still think of him. I miss him dearly."