"I long to feel what it is like to observe Ramadan and celebrate Hari Raya at home with my twin children, I never have that chance because when I was arrested, my wife was nine-month pregnant with the twins."
Those are the words of an inmate currently serving his time at the Marang Prison here.
Farid (not his real name), 24, from Kemaman, said he also longed to kiss his wife's forehead as they sit down and seek each other's forgiveness for all their sins on the first day of Syawal.
He said it really hurt him to think how his wife had to raise their twins alone ever since he was arrested and sentenced to jail for sexual offence under Section 376 of the Penal Code three years ago.
"When I was sentenced to jail, she was nine-month pregnant...I'm grateful to have been blessed with the twins, but it hurts me not being able to care for them and to feel what it is like to observe Ramadan and celebrate Hari Raya with them because I'm locked in here and have to serve my time for the evil thing I
did.
"This feeling hurts so much...only God knows the sadness and pain I'm feeling inside.
"Yes, they often visit me here and will even come on Hari Raya, but the feeling of celebrating Aidilfitri here and at home is different," he told reporter when met at the prison here.
Nevertheless, Farid said observing Ramadan behind bars had given him and fellow inmates the chance to improve themselves to be a better person. Here, I learn to properly perform the daily prayers and read the Quran, something that Ididn't even know how to do it before," he said.
Farid said although he have sinned, he was grateful that his wife and family were still able to forgive and accept him.
"They are my biggest motivators to be a better person...I was not thinking straight when I committed the offence, it was the first major offence I ever committed in my life.
"I have repented and I vowed to be a better person...I know what I did was wrong and I hope the society will be able to accept me back when I walk out of this prison one day," he said.
For 56-year-old Azman (not his real name), who is serving a life sentence for waging war against Yang di-Pertuan Agong, fellow inmates were his pillars of strength and motivators in observing Ramadan and celebrating Syawal in the prison.
"I have been here for 16 years, I'm used to fasting and celebrating Hari Raya without wife and children...my fellow inmates are my family who enliven my Aidilfitri celebration here.
"It's different from how people are celebrating it outside but this experience teaches me a lot of being a better person," said the man who has seven children aged between 17 and 28.
"I didn't get to watch them grow, but I'm grateful to have a wife who remains patient and strong in raising the children...they always visit me here," he said, adding that Muslim inmates at the prison were mostly preoccupied with various religious activities during Ramadan, including Quran recitation and
Tarawih prayers.
Bernama
Thu Jun 30 2016
The feeling of celebrating Aidilfitri in prison and at home is different, says an inmate. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.