COMING AIDILFITRI MARKS NEW BEGINNING FOR THREE WOMEN AT DARUL WARDAH

SHAH ALAM, March 29 (Bernama) -- This Aidilfitri, to be celebrated in a few days,  marked a new beginning for three former residents of the Darul Wardah Welfare Organisation (Darul Wardah) welfare home as they embraced the joy of 'victory' - returning to their families as changed individuals.

What made the occasion even more meaningful was their long-awaited reunion with loved ones after spending years at the shelter.

  Although leaving Darul Wardah—a place that had nurtured their faith and personal growth—was bittersweet, Nana, Lisa, and Sally remain grateful.

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Each of them once struggled with social challenges that led them to the home, but today, they return to a much better place, filled with hope for the future.

Sharing her journey, Nana, 21, from Klang, Selangor, recalled entering Darul Wardah while pregnant with a child out of wedlock.

While society outside often met her with judgment and rejection, she said, the staff and fellow residents welcomed her with compassion.

"I delivered the baby early in March last year, but my son only 'saw the world' for 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead due to complications in his head. At that moment, it was my friends and teachers at Darul Wardah who stood by me, offering comfort and strength during the lowest point of my life.

“That's why leaving Darul Wardah is difficult for me. This place has taught me the true meaning of life through education rooted in Islamic teachings," she shared when met by Bernama at the welfare home in Jalan Kebun here.

Nana expressed gratitude for the deep bond she formed with fellow residents, many of whom had faced similar struggles. Compared to her past, where she was easily swayed by fleeting pleasures often glorified on social media, she now appreciates the value of a more meaningful life.

Having spent nearly two years at the welfare home since December 2023, Nana, who is the youngest of three siblings,  described this year's Aidilfitri as especially significant.

Her family, she said, was eagerly awaiting her return - proud to welcome her back as a changed person.

Founded in 2008 by Hazlina Abd Razak, Darul Wardah serves as a sanctuary for women in need of temporary protection and spiritual recovery. It aims to rebuild their faith, emotional strength, and self-esteem according to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

The organisation provides shelter for women aged 15 to 41 who have faced moral challenges such as adultery and apostasy, offering them a path to redemption and a fresh start in life.

Meanwhile, Lisa, 20, could not contain her gratitude and excitement upon learning that she would be allowed to leave Darul Wardah in time for this Aidilfitri, which is just days away.

Having found refuge at the welfare home since 2023, she shared that her time there had shaped her into a more responsible mother and a person of stronger faith.

"I came here when I was already pregnant with a child out of wedlock, but by Allah’s grace, my family has accepted me, allowing me to celebrate Raya with them this year. Insya Allah, I will make the most of this second chance to rebuild my life and become a better person," she said.

What makes this homecoming even sweeter is that Lisa is not returning alone—she will be accompanied by her one-year-and-three-month-old daughter, who was born while she was a resident at Darul Wardah. She will be heading back to her family in Subang, eager to start a new chapter.

As for Sally, 24, she is looking forward to reuniting with her family from Sik, Kedah, who will be coming to take her home as she prepares to leave the welfare home for good.

The sixth of seven siblings, Sally shared that her time at Darul Wardah would remain etched in her memory forever.

“The support from friends and teachers not only helped me heal but also taught me to let go of past mistakes and never fall into the same 'hole' again, she said.

She revealed that she had given birth to a baby girl in August last year but, due to her circumstances, had to entrust her child to a caregiver in Kedah, as she was unable to provide the care and stability the baby needed.

"My mother is no longer around, and now it's just my father… I am determined to return home, be there for my family, and ensure that this year’s Aidilfitri marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life," she said.

-- BERNAMA