SOCIAL activist Syed Azmi Abhalshi showed the true spirit of Ramadan yesterday when he brought Federal Territory mufti Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri to visit the folk of Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur.

Syed, a champion of those shut out from society, said the mufti’s visit was much needed by the regulars at Persatuan Kebajikan Komuniti Ikhlas Malaysia (Ikhlas) on Lorong Haji Taib.

“The mufti’s visit was an eye opener for the folk at the centre who are former convicts, drug addicts, transgenders and sex workers.

“They were ecstatic to see the mufti and welcomed him with open arms,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

Syed said the mufti was cordial and took his time getting to know all the 30 people there.

“He asked their names and where they were from and there was a question-and-answer session.

“The mufti also conducted a small prayer class and performed the Zohor prayers with them,” he said.

Syed said one of the main issues that the people at the centre had raised with the mufti was society’s treatment of them.

“They pleaded with the mufti to tell the people who were religious not to look at them in such a way that made them feel degraded.

“The mufti apologised on behalf of all Muslims that had treated them that way.

“I was truly touched by his response,” said Syed. 

Syed said the mufti also presented Hari Raya packets to the people at the session.

Syed distributed 40 “kopiah” (skull caps) and “kain pelikat” (sarong) for the men, and “telukung” (prayer garments) for the women. The items were donated, he said.

“The public have a bad perception of these people. I hope that the mufti’s visit will create better public awareness.”

Ikhlas is a support centre for those with drug addiction, HIV and AIDS. It provides support groups, Quran lessons and counsellors approved by the Health Ministry. 

For enquiries, call Ikhlas at 03-40511211. – June 23, 2017.