2 days ago
Deaf-mute son recites Al-Fatihah in sign language at mother's grave, touches millions
Hafizi is seen standing beside his mother's grave, his hands moving gracefully to convey silent prayers. By DANIAL HAKIM
24 Jun 2025 01:22pm
The footage shows Hafizi Hamdan, 25, reciting Al-Fatihah in sign language, then gently waving goodbye to his mother, Salawati Ahmad, who passed away last August from ovarian cancer. Photo: TikTok / @Hasmalina10
SHAH ALAM - A visit to a mother's grave became a poignant expression of love and loss when 25-year-old Hafizi Hamdan, who is deaf and mute, was filmed reciting prayers in sign language.
The now-viral TikTok video has touched millions, offering a silent yet powerful reminder of the depth of a child's devotion.
In the video, uploaded by his aunt Hasmalina Ahmad, Hafizi is seen standing beside his mother's grave, his hands moving gracefully to convey silent prayers.
His mother, Salawati Ahmad, passed away last August from ovarian cancer.
The footage, filmed at Kampung Mahang Muslim Cemetery in Seremban, shows Hafizi reciting Al-Fatihah in sign language before gently waving goodbye to his mother.
'He doesn't speak, but he shows it through his actions. His prayers, his longing for his mother – everyone can feel it, even without words,' Hasmalina said.
Hafizi has lived with hearing and speech impairments since birth, yet those around him describe him as deeply aware, affectionate and responsible. Hafizi Hamdan (left) with his aunt Hasmalina Ahmad.
He is the eldest of two siblings and now lives with his grandmother, under the care of Hasmalina's family.
Through a WhatsApp message to Malay daily Harian Metro, Hafizi said everything felt quiet after his mother's passing.
'I still miss her, even now, because we were close. That's why I often visit her grave.
'Each time I visit, I will pray for her. In the video that went viral, I was reciting Al-Fatihah before saying goodbye,' he reportedly said.
The video, posted by @Hasmalina10, has since gathered nearly two million views and over 2,000 comments — many of them filled with emotional responses from netizens moved by Hafizi's pure, unspoken love.
'Allahu, it's heartbreaking how he expressed his longing through sign language,' wrote a user named Jeffry.
'So sad, he's reciting a prayer for his beloved,' commented Rabuyah Abas.
'A longing with no end,' typed user Nor Rita, echoing what many felt watching the brief but powerful moment.
Alternatively, Hasmalina highlighted how Hafizi is not only affectionate but also incredibly hardworking.
Often, he now helps run a school canteen in Oakland, Seremban, alongside her.
Beyond the viral moment, Hafizi's silent act of love has become a powerful reminder for many to value family, honour loved ones, and appreciate that love transcends language and ability.
'Most of the comments were positive. Many said they learned something from the video and have become more appreciative of their parents while they're still around,' Hasmalina said.
She hopes the video opens more eyes to the humanity and depth of people with disabilities.
'They are not less. They just express things differently. But the love is the same — maybe even deeper,' she mused.
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