After two years of celebrating Aidilfitri under Covid-19 restrictions, they could visit relatives in their homes, go shopping and do so much more.
For Covid-19 orphans, however, this year’s Aidilfitri was not as joyful, for they were forced to take on responsibilities which otherwise would have been taken care of by their parents.
Nur Adriana Aleeya, 17, from Perak, lost both her parents, Zulkifli Yusof and Azira Mohamed, last September. This year’s Hari Raya was different for her and her two siblings, Zafrul Aiman, 12, and Umar Mikail, eight.
Adriana said their parents’ untimely death due to Covid-19 complications had taught her to appreciate life more and love those around her.
“Covid-19 cost my parents their lives and it is my responsibility to look after my younger siblings. I’m grateful that our grandmother and relatives are willing to help care for the three of us temporarily so that we can continue our education.
“It does feel different since this is the first Hari Raya without our parents, but Insya-Allah, we will gather our strength to get through these trying times,” said the MRSM Gerik student.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old UiTM student Amirul Rashidi Musa from Negeri Sembilan, who also works as a food delivery rider, said his sorrow resurfaced upon hearing the official announcement of this year’s Aidilfitri.
“I was just about to break my fast at a restaurant in Shah Alam when I heard the chanting of the ‘takbir raya’ and people cheering ‘esok Raya’ (tomorrow is Raya). I could not stop the tears from streaming down my face.
“I accept this fate with an open heart,” said Amirul, who lost his parents in December last year.
On Aidilfitri preparations, Amirul said he kept everything simple for him and his younger brother, Izzat Rashidi, 20, because of his busy schedule and the unexpected Hari Raya announcement.
“Alhamdulillah, my brother and I managed to buy baju Melayu and we celebrated this year’s Aidilfitri with our aunt,” he said.
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