Religious differences not an obstacle to gather, celebrate Christmas with family

When Mohammad Azlan Charles Abdullah embraced Islam in 1991, none of his family members stopped him.

In fact, his decision was well-received by his mother, late father and grandmother who were then hoping that the differences in religion and belief between them would not affect their family ties.

Born into a Sino-Iban family as Sebastine Minggat Charles, the 46-year-old Public Relations officer of the Putrajaya Hospital has never once forgotten the words of his family.

Mohammad Azlan would return to his hometown here with his wife and three children every year to gather with other family members for the much anticipated Christmas celebration.

"I'm such a lucky person. I get to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with my in laws in Klang, Selangor every year, and get to meet my mother, siblings and other relatives in Kuching during Christmas.

"It's a norm for us to come home for Christmas here in Kuching as I used to serve as a Limbang Division Information officer for four years before this," he told Bernama here recently.

The Yuletide joy was felt when more than 15 family members gathered at Mohammad Azlan's family home in Jalan Arang Off Jalan Dogan here.

In fact, they cleaned the house, decorated the Christmas tree and prepared sumptuous meals together for the guests who would 'ngabang' (visit) on Christmas day, today.

Mohammad Azlan said he continues with the tradition of exchanging gifts which would be opened on Boxing Day.

"It is indeed fun to come home once a year and gather with the whole family. To me, that's the joy of Christmas celebration in addition to the presence of old friends whom I have not met for a long time," he said.

When asked about his wife and children's acceptance, Mohammad Azlan said he considered himself very lucky as his family supported his decision and joined him to enliven the festivity.

"I have instilled tolerance in my family a long time ago, just like in Sarawak where mixed-marriage has been a norm. The children can mix (with others) without prejudice but at the same time, they know what is 'halal and haram' (allowed and forbidden according to Islam)," he said.

In fact, Mohammad Azlan said one of his nephews had also embraced Islam, adding the diversity in the family makes their family ties stronger. -- Bernama