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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!
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