LUBOK ANTU: As the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, the scent of freshly baked kuih raya lingers in the air indicating that homes are going to be filled with the warmth of love.
This is the time families bustle through crowded markets, some feeling overwhelmed by choices, others bubbling with excitement, all in search of the perfect attire for the Hari Raya celebration.
For many, this is a season of warmth, togetherness, and celebration.
However, for others, those without a home, without a family to return to, the festivities may feel like a distant dream.
At Pondok Al-Quran Raudhatul Jannah, a humble shelter in Lubok Antu, the residents embrace Raya with simplicity, humbly celebrating with whatever they have.
They find solace in the kindness of others, in the embrace of a community that refuses to let them feel forgotten.
Established five years ago, the organisation focuses on providing a safe space and basic religious education to those in need, relying solely on donations from friends and earnings from a small burger stall to sustain its activities.
It is dedicated to helping the underprivileged, particularly Muslim converts, the homeless, and abandoned elderly patients and aims to ensure that the residents do not feel neglected during this festive period.
The chairman of Pondok Al Quran Raudhatul Jannah, Wan Huzaimi Wan Azami, emphasised the significance of the Hari Raya celebration at the shelter, stating that it is meant “to make them feel cared for and so they feel remembered as well as appreciated”.
As any other festive celebration is supposed to feel like, Hari Raya is also the perfect time for a simple yet warm gathering that allows people to experience a sense of belonging, reinforcing the core value of caring for one another within the community.
In an attempt to make it feel more like a home, at Pondok Al Quran Raudhatul Jannah, preparations include cleaning and decorating the shelter, preparing simple home-cooked meals, and organising small religious activities.
The event also includes a small ‘Majlis Kesyukuran’, iftar meals during Ramadan, the distribution of duit raya, and religious quizzes for children.
On top of that, the shelter treats everyone like a family member.
“Everyone who stays here shares the same meals as my family during Hari Raya, ensuring that they feel at home,” said Wan Huzaimi.
Pondok Al-Quran Raudhatul Jannah relies heavily on personal donations and the goodwill of volunteers to sustain its operations.
“There are no collaborations with other organisations, government agencies, or corporate sponsors. Our support comes solely from the generous donations of friends and family,” he said.
Their long-term goal is to establish a more stable source of income to ensure continuous support for the community.
For those who wish to contribute, Pondok Al-Quran Raudhatul Jannah welcomes donations,
volunteers, and visits from the public.
For more information, the public can contact 016-5919755 or visit their Facebook page at Pondok Al Quran Raudhatul Jannah Lubok Antu.
As people prepare for Hari Raya, Pondok Al Quran Raudhatul Jannah reminds us that the celebration is about love and kindness, not material wealth.
