Coming together: Aaliyah (second from right) and Penny (third from left) sorting festive cookies with family while preparing for Hari Raya Aidilfitri at their home in Sandakan.
KOTA KINABALU: Every year, Hari Raya is a heartfelt reminder for this Sandakan family that love and family transcend all cultural and religious boundaries.
“Regardless of our different religions or cultural backgrounds, once you’re family, these differences should never divide us,” said Penny Sopiah Jimi, a Christian, whose daughter Aaliyah Abdullah married a Muslim more than a decade ago.
“A mother’s love knows no boundaries.
“As a mother and grandmother, joining in these celebrations is my way of honouring my children, grandchildren and sons and daughters-in-law.
“It also helps teach my grandchildren the importance of respecting diversity in faith and culture,” Penny, 63, said.
Her family members, despite their different backgrounds, gather in their Sandakan home to mark the festival with warmth, love and mutual respect.
Aaliyah, a school teacher, embraced Islam 14 years ago.
Born Wendy Chong, the Sino-Kadazan initially found celebrating Hari Raya slightly awkward, despite being used to celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Kaamatan and Christmas.
“Looking back to my first Raya 14 years ago, there was definitely some awkwardness, especially regarding certain traditions and practices,” she recalled.
Despite the initial challenges, the unwavering support from her family eased her transition and has made each celebration more special over the years.
“I feel incredibly blessed because not only did my parents and siblings accept me fully, but they have always participated wholeheartedly in celebrating Hari Raya and even Hari Raya Haji with my family,” said Aaliyah, 39, who has three children.
She said their family traditions include sorting festive cookies together, exchanging duit raya and gathering for breaking of fast during Ramadan – something they have done consistently for nearly a decade.
“My siblings would even buy special dates for my mother-in-law or send festive cookies to their nieces and nephews, despite living in different districts.
“These small gestures deepen our bonds and make me feel incredibly grateful,” she said.
Her self-employed husband Roslan Bakhtiar, 39, expressed gratitude for the support from Aaliyah’s family during Hari Raya, where they blend Islamic customs with Bugis practices.
“I appreciate how her family consistently shows up for us every year. Because of this, I make sure my family also participates actively in their celebrations, including Chinese New Year and Kaamatan,” he added.
He praised Aaliyah’s dedication in adapting to a different faith and culture, witnessing firsthand the effort she put into embracing traditions unfamiliar to her.
“I did see that my wife struggled a little bit at first, but I always ensured that I was around to support her,” said Roslan.
“She never once complained, not even during her first fasting month.”
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