KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 10 – The harmonious extended family of Datin Norhana Abdullah @ Ng Siew Boey, 65, which celebrates various festivals every year, is testimony that religious diversity in Malaysia is not a barrier to creating happiness together.
Embracing Islam in 1984 and her marriage to Datuk Mohd Anuar Embong in the same year opened new doors for her Chinese family to celebrate festivals commonly observed by the Malay community, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Norhana, the eldest among seven siblings, also said that two of her younger siblings are Christians, providing them with the opportunity to celebrate Christmas every year as a family.
However, as a Muslim, Norhana, who is also the Terengganu Chinese Muslim Association president, said she ensures that everything they do complies with Syariah laws and remains within the bounds of being a Muslim.
“Like before, the Chinese New Year celebration remains lively in our family… even after my husband died in 2004, the family never sidelined me,” she said when contacted by Bernama on Friday.
Norhana expressed her gratitude for the sensitivity shown by her family members who understand her needs and those of her four children in adhering to Islamic laws during the celebration.
“For example, for tonight’s reunion dinner, my siblings will cook traditional Chinese food to enliven this celebration, but Alhamdulillah, all the dishes served are halal, including the utensils used for cooking.
“That has been the practice since I embraced Islam,” she added.
She adheres to the fatwa that states it is not wrong to celebrate the Chinese New Year, as long as it does not violate Islamic laws and practices.
“There is also a fatwa that I abide by, which states that it is allowed to decorate the house with lanterns and the like. Moreover, it does not mean cutting off family ties after I embraced Islam. I am still Chinese even though I have embraced Islam. I celebrate this festival because it is my culture,” she said.
