Kerandang: Visitors to the family home and grave of the late Nurly Sahirah Azman, one of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who died in a tragic accident along the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Gerik, Perak, last month, have been reminded to observe proper conduct and avoid actions contrary to Islamic teachings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, expressed that while he was moved by the various stories surrounding the 23-year-old student, including reports of her passing away while clutching the Quran, the public must remain mindful of the family’s feelings and refrain from engaging in superstitious practices.
“Of course, Nurly Sahirah’s parents are very hopeful about this. They do not want the kindness shown by their late daughter to cause our society to engage in superstitious things,” he stated. He urged the public to behave respectfully, act according to religious teachings, and pray for the deceased, emphasizing that superstition is not the way to honor the memory of the departed.
Mohd Na’im also advised seeking guidance from those with religious authority, such as state muftis, before undertaking any actions related to such matters.
Following reports of superstitious and shirk-related activities at Nurly’s grave in Kampung Gong Pasir Muslim Cemetery, Kerandang, the family installed a rope barrier to prevent further misuse. This action was taken after individuals were observed taking soil from the grave and applying it to their faces, which is considered an act of superstition and disrespect.
Additionally, the family decided not to receive guests from last Wednesday to allow Nurly’s parents, Azman Mohamad, 63, and Kamariah Abdul Latif, 60, some space to rest.
Meanwhile, Kamariah, when met by reporters today, urged the public wishing to visit their home to view the handwritten Quran manuscript by her late daughter to observe the designated visiting hours, which are from 9 am to 6 pm, once the visiting session reopens tomorrow.
“We are truly grateful and welcome the presence of visitors. To us, they are not coming by our invitation, but by the will and invitation of Allah,” she remarked.